TfL has teamed up with leading delivery companies to launch a new road safety charter, in a bid to keep motorcycle couriers safe on the capital’s roads.
The charter has been signed by five companies: Deliveroo, Getir, Just Eat, Stuart and Uber Eats. It consists of 10 road safety principles that aim to keep motorcycle couriers and other Londoners safe on the road.
TfL says the support of meal and grocery delivery companies is vital in helping it to achieve Vision Zero.
This is because people riding motorcycles face the greatest likelihood of death or serious injury of anyone driving on the roads.
In London, people riding motorcycles, mopeds and scooters represent only 2.6% of vehicle kilometres driven, but tragically accounted for around 27% of deaths and serious injuries from 2017-2021.
Road safety principles set out by the charter include: a commitment to Vision Zero and eradicating deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads; ensuring couriers meet the legal requirements for working and riding in the UK; supporting couriers in understanding how to ride safely and within the law and supporting couriers to ensure that vehicles are legally compliant and roadworthy.
As part of committing to this shared charter, TfL has also asked meal and grocery delivery companies to attend TfL’s six-monthly Meal and Grocery Delivery Company Road Safety Forum.
At the Forum, TfL and meal and grocery delivery companies will discuss progress around implementing the charter, and new ideas to improve road safety.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety health and environment officer, said: “There has been a significant rise in motorcycle deliveries over the past few years and this cannot come at the expense of safety.
“People are tragically losing their lives in avoidable motorcycle collisions, which all too often also injure or kill other road users.
“This is why we’re working closely with delivery, courier and servicing companies to address these sources of road danger and protect the lives of riders and everyone else on London’s streets.
“We’re really pleased to have secured the backing of some of the biggest names in the sector for our charter, who recognise the part they can play in helping to create safer roads for everyone.”
13 September 2023