The Road Haulage Association has invited new London Mayor Sadiq Khan to view the streets of the capital from the cab of a truck.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “We are of the firm opinion that a holistic approach is vital if the Capital is to achieve a ‘Target Zero’ for accidents involving HGVs that may result in death or serious injury.
“We are also very keen to discuss the proposed rush hour ban on truck deliveries to reduce congestion. This is not the answer. Such a move would simply increase the number of vehicles, particularly vans, using the roads at a time when London residents expect to have their ‘day’ delivered. Restaurants and other retail outlets would suffer and the delays to construction projects, already working within strict time constraints would be inevitable.”
The Freight Transport Association said Khan could deliver some ‘quick wins’ for the capital by working closely with the freight and logistics industry.
Christopher Snelling, the FTA’s head of national and regional policy, said Khan should first urgently seek a review of the London Lorry Control Scheme which restricts the industry’s ability to deliver at night. Moving as many lorries as possible out of the peak could help with safety, emissions and costs.
Secondly he should offer a discount on the congestion charge to the latest generation of clean lorries and vans, to encourage these vehicles into London well ahead of the introduction of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone.
And thirdly he should increase support for the enforcement of HGV regulations in London – targeted enforcement of rogue operators to get them off the road will be beneficial to all road users.
