CTC in fight to stop longer lorries

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The British government has introduced a proposal to increase the maximum size of lorries on UK roads by two metres. National cyclists' organisation CTC has joined a coalition of organisations objecting to the proposal on the grounds that longer lorries will pose a greater risk to cyclists.

"Lorries present a serious risk to cyclists - one in five of the deaths of cyclists involve lorries," said CTC campagin director Roger Geffen.

"Allowing even longer lorries onto our roads will mean larger blind spots, more tail swing and a greater risk of hitting other road users. Instead of increasing the danger from lorries, the Government should be working to reduce the threat that already exists."

According to CTC's analysis of police records relating to road incidents involving cyclists, left-turning lorries accounted for 30 per cent of cyclists fatalities - compared to three per cent for all road users.

There are also concerns that increasing the size of lorries will perpetuate the use of lorries for freight haulage rather than a switch to 'greener' means of transport, such as the rail network.

A coalition of organisations including CTC, Friends of the Earth, Sustrans, Road Peace and Living Streets have produced a joint statement on the issue of using rail transport for freight rather than lorries.

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.