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Crossrail has completed the first batch of road safety awareness training for its lorry fleet.
1,000 lorry drivers have so far taken part in the Crossrail Lorry Driver Induction Training programme, which has been devised with the help of cycling and road safety groups.
The course aims to ensure drivers know how to drive carefully near cyclists and other vulnerable road users, particularly in central London. Lorry drivers working regularly on the project must complete the training programme. 4,000 drivers will take part in the course.
Contractors will be required to take additional road safety measures too. Crossrail is working with contractors to ensure HGVs are fitted with safety devices like Fresnel lenses and side scan equipment that allows the driver to see into blind spots. Vehicles must also carry signs to warn cyclists.
The huge Crossrail project will connect Maidenhead and Heathrow west of London with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East via twin-bore 21 kilometre tunnels under central London. Crossrail said it was ‘critical’ that the project’s impact on central London was kept to a minimum.
Later this year Crossrail will provide dedicated information for cyclists on the Crossrail and TfL websites so that cyclists can make informed choices about cycle routes.
