MPA response to Department for Transport announcements on lorry safety and cycling
In response to announcements made today by the Department for Transport about lorry safety and cycling, Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), said:
“MPA welcomes in principle the announcements made by the Department for Transport today to improve the safety of cyclists and other road users and looks forward to seeing the detailed proposals to ensure that there are the necessary checks and balances and that responsible operators are supported.
“The announcements align with the aim of MPA’s Cycle Safe campaign to prevent collisions between vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, and lorries, which we have been running since June 2011. As a further development in our Cycle Safe campaign, we launched a policy last year which sets out clear driver training and vehicle safety equipment requirements for members to improve the safety of vulnerable road users and these initiatives are being implemented progressively.
“We believe it is essential that all parties work together to make our roads safer and MPA has been liaising with drivers, companies, cyclists, police and regulators. This is a long term challenge but this industry is very committed to playing its part and looks to others to do likewise.
“We particularly welcome the review of the regulations relating to volumetric concrete mixers and hope that a level playing field between these vehicles, which are currently regulated as engineering plant, and conventional ready-mix trucks will emerge soon.”
