HGVs/lorries/cyclists: Inquest into death of Meryem Ozekman

ZMC, in your personal opinion, is it entirely possible for you to drive in London and being aware of cyclists without those extra device (such as the double sided camera you mentioned).

It is perfectly possible to drive a large goods vehicle in London safely. On most or all large vehicles there is a proximity mirror (which looks down from above the passenger window at the front wheel), and two mirrors on the passenger side, one is large and one is a smaller convex mirror to give a wide field of view, and one large one on the drivers side. A good driver with good eyesight can see out of these mirrors sufficiently to be safe provided the lighting or weather conditions are favorable. Sensors and cameras would really help, especially if the weather is bad. I was trained to check mirrors as much as I looked forward, so checking an LCD screen would not take much getting used to for a good driver. In fact most drivers, myself included, would live in fear of hurting, or worse killing or injuring anyone. It is the last thing that a professional driver would ever want to do. I would leave at least two meters when overtaking a cyclist, and I would watch them though carefully. I drove goods vehicles from 1996-2002.

Some tips for cyclists dealing with goods vehicles:***

1. Some trucks below 7.5 tonnes are driven by people with car licenses, these drivers may have insufficient training or experience for their vehicle and may not be checking their mirrors as often as they should be.
   
2. Drivers of rigid trucks up to 26 tonnes, may be working on a 'multi-drop' basis and are under time pressure or checking A-Z or using a cellphone, again may not be paying as much attention as they should. Skip and tipper drivers may also be under time pressure.
   
3. Wet, freezing, foggy weather or early morning or late evening light can effect how much a driver can see, especially out of his/her mirrors.
   
4. When behind a truck look directly in the truck's mirrors, you may even see the driver see you (if she/he's an aware driver). If you can't see a mirror or the driver in it, you are in a danger zone. Only pass a truck if it is stationary on the inside, if it is moving DO NOT UNDERTAKE it.
   
5. Be aware that articulated trucks will swing out strangely on the road to go around corners. NEVER attempt to pass a turning lorry.
   
6. Do report bad truck drivers, remember to quote their registration number through the 'well driven?' and other schemes, this helps weed out bad drivers, or those who are becoming complacent.
   
   

Some ideas for safer roads in major cities, as regards large good vehicles. Especially with growing numbers of cyclists:

1. Put sensors and/or cameras on the doors of trucks.
   
2. Use left hand drive trucks for city deliveries (right hand drive for Europe).
   
3. Improve training for drivers.
   
4. Weed out poor/incompetent drivers.
   
5. Remove time pressure for all drivers.
   
6. More regular and accurate eye tests for all age groups of drivers.