The City of London has today become the first London local authority area to start using a high-vision, safer tipper vehicle which will improve road safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users in the heart of the Square Mile.

The Econic tipper vehicle, manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, will be used by the City’s highways contractor, JB Riney, and will be used for streets and highways maintenance by the City of London Corporation.

The lorry gives an exceptional field of vision for the driver with a panoramic windscreen which is at least 50% larger than a standard windscreen, has a fully glazed floor-to-ceiling kerbside door, and a unique low-entry cab. Riney are the first City contractor to place order for this type of vehicle and are leading the way in the industry.

The vehicle will be on display at Aldgate Gyratory in the City today (1130 – 1230, 25 January,) where there are already ongoing works to enhance the area and improve road safety. By spring 2017, this area will provide new pedestrian crossing points, allow easier navigation of bus services and introduce two new public spaces on the eastern edge of the City of London.

Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Michael Welbank, said:

“We take the issue of road safety incredibly seriously in the City and I am delighted that we have adopted the use of the new high-vision tipper vehicle. Anything which improves the field of vision for a lorry driver, so they can better see vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, is a welcome step.

“It also demonstrates what can be achieved by organisations from both the public and private sectors when working in partnership.”

Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: "I congratulate the City of London for being the first London local authority area to use these life-saving construction vehicles. We encourage all local authorities to follow the City's lead and use these vehicles in their contracts.

"These lorries, with minimised blindspots, are also increasingly being used on work performed for TfL as part of a wide range of action to deliver safer roads in London."

Vincente Connolly, Director National Sales Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Trucks said:

“Working with the City of London Corporation and JB Riney, has been both an absolute joy and a highly rewarding experience. With safety being at the heart of all our businesses and the primary focus of this partnership, the impact that the Mercedes-Benz Econic makes, in densely populated areas where transport, pedestrians and cyclists cohabit, is clear to see.

“In having a lowered driver seating position and more glazed panels throughout the cab, unique to the Econic, the driver has higher levels of direct eye-to-eye vision with third parties and other road users.“

The City of London Corporation have gained Gold Accreditation in the Fleet Operators recognition scheme that focuses on Fleet operators having the correct fleet management processes in place that are compliant with the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act. The City supports the Construction and Logistics Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) initiative which focuses on managing work related road risk by improving vehicle safety, making sure the appropriate safety equipment is fitted to the vehicles and encourages best practice and Health and Safety to the wider community.

Notes to editors

1. For more information on the transformation work underway at Aldgate, see here.

1. Road safety in the City of London:

The City of London Corporation is committed to improving road safety for all road users within the Square Mile. As part of this programme, the City has:

• Published proposals to redesign Bank Junction.

• A rolling programme of major schemes to improve road safety and amenity. Holborn Circus is now complete and working well, and Aldgate is in the construction phase. Bank is the next major project to be developed

• Introduced over 70 two-way cycling streets to make it safer and easier for people to cycle

• Introduced a 20mph speed limit aimed at reducing the dangers on the City’s streets

• Consulted on the introduction of Quietways in the City, which less confident cyclists wanting to use low-traffic routes can use. Works are scheduled to begin before Christmas 2015.

• Set up “exchanging places” exhibits, where cyclists can have their traffic fines cancelled and learn about road safety

• Supported the Mayor’s East-West Cycle Superhighway

   

1. About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

• We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills projects. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charity City Bridge Trust makes grants of more than £15 million annually to charitable projects across London and we also support education with three independent schools, three City Academies, a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

   

• We also help look after key London’s heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London.

   

• We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events and research-driven policies all reflecting a long-term approach.

   

1. See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.