Cycle award winning boss of waste management firm questions feasibility of mayor's HGV rating system

The cycle award winning managing director of a London waste management firm has claimed that the Mayor of London’s plans to ban 35,000 of the most dangerous HGVs from the capital’s roads are ‘unfeasible’. Jacqueline O’Donovan believes that direct vision cabs are ‘the way forward’ but says Sadiq Khan’s plans are ‘far too ambitious’ and not financially viable.

North London based O’Donovan Waste Disposal was thought to have been the first British firm to buy direct vision cabs which increase the driver’s field of view in front and to the sides of a lorry. The firm has also sponsored London ‘Bike Tube’ rides led by the London Cycling Campaign, intended to encourage people to try cycling to work.

UK Haulier reports that O’Donovan was recently recognised for her commitment to cyclist safety in London at the 30th anniversary of The Irish World Awards.

Writing to the London Evening Standard regarding Sadiq Khan’s proposal for a ‘zero to five star’ Direct Vision Standard for HGVs operating within the capital, O’Donovan said that while direct vision was the way forward, the broader plans weren’t feasible.

“On Sadiq Khan’s HGV proposal, direct vision is the way forward to improve HGV safety and we are champions of continued innovation. 

“However, Khan’s formal proposal for an HGV rating system is far too ambitious and the requirements will push independent companies out of the running. Coming down hard on the logistics industry is an easy win for Khan, but his plans aren’t feasible, nor are they financially viable.

“Our industry and Transport for London have worked tirelessly to improve direct vision and safety, which is evident from the reduced number of collisions we see today. The Mayor appears to be ignoring all this good work and punishing HGV operators with this pie-in-the-sky proposal.”

A consultation on the plans will run until April 18.