The Greater London Assembly has voted unanimously in favour of banning lorries from the city streets in rush hour.

The motion called upon Mayor Boris Johnson to implement a rush hour lorry ban, as well as ensuring that the industry adopt new Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) standards which would see direct vision lorry cabs become compulsory.

In addition, the motion also requested confidential reporting of bad practice be rolled out to all HGV drivers and comprehensive enforcement so that rogue operators do not permit unsafe lorry drivers or vehicles to operate on the roads.

The unanimous agreement means that the Mayor will now work with the Government to implement the suggestions.

Seven out of eight cycling deaths in London this year have involved an HGV, and Darren Johnson, the Green Party member who proposed the motion said: “Far too many people have died under the wheels of an HGV in London. We know the safety measures which would make cyclists safer and there is a growing cross-party determination that we need to end the unnecessary deaths and injuries on our roads.

“The Dutch-style cycle paths now being built will physically separate cyclists from lorries on some roads, but we also need to look at separating the majority of cyclists from lorries on the rest of London’s main roads by having them travel at different times of day.

“Londoners should be able to cycle to work, or take the kids to school, without fearing for their lives.”

The Freight Transport Association of course were not as keen on the proposal. Christopher Snelling, FTA Head of Urban Logistics stated: “The proposal for a rush-hour lorry ban is not a silver bullet solution.  What we are looking for is improved safety for everyone, and there are many elements which should be considered.

“For example while early morning is rush hour for cyclists, the peak time for pedestrians is later – we need to ensure that solutions do not bring unintended consequences. Better awareness, training and behaviour is needed on from all road users to make our roads as safe as they can be.”