The Freight Transport Association has called for progress to changes in HGV vehicle design, to improve the aerodynamics and reduce blind spots.
The association said its members currently spend hundreds of thousands of pounds retrofitting existing HGVs to improve visibility from the cab, but that the best way to eliminate blind spots among these vehicles is to “design them out”.
It said that removing regulatory barriers within the design would result in fuel savings and reduced emissions, as well as important safety benefits.
“FTA is fully supportive and engaged in the discussions taking place with the European Commission regarding improved HGV vehicle design,” said head of urban logistics & regional policy at the FTA, Christopher Snelling.
“Manufacturers want to produce vehicles they can sell into the entire European market, not just the UK, so it is also right that this issue is being examined in Brussels.”
“If the Brussels-based institutions do not prioritise this initiative, or tie it in with other measures so that its introduction is delayed, a huge opportunity to radically improve safety on our roads in the most efficient fashion will be missed.”
