Some 20,000 of the UK’s licensed HGV drivers have now taken Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Safe Urban Driving course to learn how to share the road safely with others.
The course, created by TfL in 2011, is the first accredited course in the UK to include on-road cycle training for HGV drivers. This element of the course gives drivers a vulnerable road user’s perspective of the road and helps to improve road safety through an attitude change towards cyclists and pedestrians. The success and growth of the course is such that TfL is expecting to train another 4,000 drivers this year.
Leon Daniels, Managing Director Surface Transport at TfL, said: `We’re helping create a safer generation of lorry drivers – and protect vulnerable road users – having now trained 20,000 of those who drive vital but intimidating vehicles. Our Safe Urban Driving course promotes more consideration for others while out on the road. I’ve been on this course and know how eye-opening and important it is; that’s why we want all lorry drivers operating in London to take part in this type of training and express our thanks to those who already have.’
Cllr Wesley Harcourt, Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Residents’ Services, said: `More than 1,400 lorry and van drivers in Hammersmith & Fulham have taken up this vital TfL-funded course. In March, we’ll deliver our one hundredth session. We are determined to make our roads safer for everyone who uses them.’
Safe Urban Driving makes it easy for councils, developers and businesses to ensure that their supply chain uses the safest drivers. The course satisfies one of TfL’s Work Related Road Risk contractual requirements. These requirements are an effective way for all organisations to proactively reduce the risk of their supply chain being involved in serious collisions on the roads. TfL strongly encourages other organisations to use their buying power to improve road safety. Safe Urban Driving also meets the training requirements for the Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety (CLOCS) programme.
TfL’s innovative Safe Urban Driving course is now delivered all over the UK from Bristol to Falkirk. Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accredited operators can book a place on a training course at fors-online.org.uk. The industry is demonstrating a desire and commitment to vulnerable road user safety and large operators are part-funding their training.