Firm to make trucks safer for cyclists

Taylors Transport has installed a sensor system which enables drivers to know when there is a cyclist next to them and for the cyclist to know when they are turning left.

Managing director of Taylors, Alan Taylor, said the firm is one of the first outside London to invest in the technology, which is now fitted to 60 of its vehicles and will be fitted to all subsequent new ones.

He said: “ We have fitted special sensors and warning sounds so that cyclists and drivers are aware of each other.

“Initially the technology was fitted as part of our accreditation to being able to drive into London and we are now taking it to the next level.”

He said the speaking warnings and side indicators come in at more than £1,000 for each vehicle.

“It is nothing in the grand scheme of safety. The last thing you want is any injuries so it is £60,000 well spent.”

The system has two sensors on the outside of the cab and a red green and amber warning to tell the driver if someone is getting close to the cab.

It comes on automatically when the driver clicks the indicators to make a turn.

The investment comes following a recent fatal accident in Nottingham where a woman cyclist was crushed to death under the wheels of a lorry .

The driver who was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving claimed he just did not see her.

He was turning left and she was on his left hand side.

Driver trainer at Taylors, Jonathan Else said: “The main challenge if you are driving a lorry when there are cyclists around is your left hand side because of the blind spot.

“When the cyclist is at the front of the cab you can’t see anything in your mirrors. If they come right up to the side they are virtually invisible.”