A north London waste disposal firm has bought three trucks offering drivers the kind of panoramic view recommended by cycling campaigners. O’Donovan’s Mercedes Econic vehicles are thought to be the first of their kind used in Britain.
So-called ‘direct vision cabs’ increase the driver’s field of view in front and to the sides of a lorry. CTC, the national cycling charity, is urging Transport for London (TfL) to adopt a road map for their widespread introduction and three London mayoral candidates have so far expressed their support for the proposals.
The London Evening Standard reports that the trucks were put on display at the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety exhibition at ExCel London on Monday. As well as offering a panoramic view, the cube-shaped cabs also feature full-length glass doors to help minimise blind spots.
There are several versions of the £100,000 Econic with O’Donovans to make use of the skip lorry. Jacqueline O’Donovan, the firm’s managing director, said: “We want to ensure our drivers have the best training and safest vehicles. The Mercedes cabs really are safer.”
O’Donovan also requested a range of additional safety features, including a side scan system, side under run protection, left hand turn audible alarm and conspicuity markings.
Last September London implemented the Safer Lorries Scheme which demands that all HGVs operating in the capital must be fitted with certain safety equipment, including sideguards and improved mirrors. Nevertheless, most campaigners would like to see further improvements.
Simon Munk of the London Cycling Campaign, said of the Mercedes Econic: “The view for the driver is much better than on a normal lorry and this is a step in the right direction.”
Mike Brown, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “I encourage all companies to follow O’Donovan’s lead.”
Buy it from a reputable retailer; the length of the statutory warranty is written in law, not by the manufacturer.
My defence - everyone else on the thread (1) was making sweeping generalisations... I thought "if they can do a Trump I can't be blamed for...
Not sure how many times this has to be repeated, but;...
Police, 3 fire crews and ambulance attended after a car rolled on M54 at around 4.10am this morning. Single occupant....
Here's Before. After looks like it could go to Tate Modern.
What exactly was the purpose of this article? You've basically explained a business and how it's financed. There's no earth shattering news here,...
Meh, I did all this 'big, clunky rattling' winter bike stuff for the past few years. Had a Whyte Suffolk with guards and pretended I enjoyed riding...
Pedantry: "Good" and "malt". I've only witnessed others drinking Teachers so I'm guessing but likely the Silca product is more sippable. Although...
Yes, sorry I was giving my perspective and understand your angle. I'm in physio, still a bit sore, but way better than 4 weeks ago. Thanks!
The ecosphere impact assessment for the football world cup was pure greenwash, can we trust this to be any better?