British Cycling has welcomed the plans announced by Transport for London (TfL) to implement new out-of-hours delivery trials to businesses in London.
Unveiled at the London freight forum, the plan outlines the successes delivered by TfL, key partners and the freight industry during London 2012, as well as a number of key actions that TfL will look to deliver in partnership with the industry in the next two years.
It is hoped that the plan will help reduce congestion at the busiest times of day which will have the effect of making the roads safer for cyclists to ride during these peak times.
"TfL does need to guard against simply increasing out-of-hours deliveries without tackling the issue of dangerous vehicles."
British Cycling's Campaigns Manager Martin Key
The trials will begin early next year. TfL will work in conjunction with the freight industry to develop a wider long term strategy in London. They will look to establish the barriers that need to be overcome to roll out these measures more widely.
During London 2012 many businesses were able to avoid conflict with other road users by changing the times of their deliveries. This helped reduce congestion at busy times and allowed many operators to save money.
British Cycling’s Campaigns Manager Martin Key said:
“We are delighted that one of the Mayor’s priorities for cycling is starting to become a reality. We have consistently called for London to follow in the path of Paris and Dublin to reduce the number of HGVS on the road during peak times.
"The work done during last year’s Olympic Games showed what could be achieved by rescheduling deliveries. TfL does need to guard against simply increasing out-of-hours deliveries without tackling the issue of dangerous vehicles. The majority of cycle casualties in London were as a result of collisions with construction vehicles so it is crucial that these vehicles are included in any new schemes.”
For more information on Transport for London’s plans you can download the PDF at this link.
