Heavy goods vehicles will be banned from London after 1 September unless they feature safety equipment to protect cyclists and pedestrians, under plans confirmed by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The ‘Safer Lorry Scheme’ - which received 90% support in a public consultation – will require vehicles of more than 3.5t to be fitted with sideguards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision.

HGVs will also be obliged to feature wide angle ‘Class V’ and ‘Class VI’ mirrors (pictured), giving the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicle.

All roads apart from motorways in Greater London will be covered by the scheme.

But the Freight Transport Association's head of policy for London Natalie Chapman said: “In principle we believe that this kind of blunt regulatory tool is not the best way to improve cyclist safety.

“We think that the money and effort spent on this scheme would have been better spent on increased enforcement against the small proportion of lorries that don't comply with existing regulations.”

Installation of 600 road signs at the London boundary, training of police officers and information campaigns with drivers and hauliers have all now started in preparation for the scheme.

The Mayor said: “We know that a large number of cyclist deaths and serious injuries involve a relatively small number of trucks and lorries that are not fitted with basic safety equipment. Such vehicles are not welcome in the capital and the Safer Lorry Scheme will see them effectively banned from our streets.

“The lives of thousands of cyclists and pedestrians will be much safer as a result and I urge all operators of HGVs to get on board and make it a success.”

(Photo: Transport for London)