NFDA supports new truck legislation to improve road safety

Additional mirrors that will help improve road safety are to be fitted onto UK trucks from next year, thanks to support for the measure from the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).

From 31 March 2009, operators of trucks and vans over 3.5 tonnes will have to retro-fit additional mirrors to the near side of their cabs. This will help in reducing serious injury and fatal accidents, in particular to cyclists who often get caught by lorries turning left at road junctions because they are often in the driver’s blind-spot. These additional mirrors will look down onto the kerb in the area of the cab blind-spot and will also cover a wider angle to increase the line of vision along the nearside of the truck.

The NFDA lent its support to the UK implementation of the European directive that introduced the new requirement, and was involved in the consultation and promotion with the Department for Transport (DfT) of this new directive.

NFDA Director Sue Robinson commented: ‘The NFDA sees being involved in promoting improvements in road safety as a positive move. Apart from the benefits for other road users, our truck dealer members supported the measure, and we felt that getting behind the initiative was in the interests of the truck industry.’

NFDA truck dealer members that require additional information on the new rules should contact the NFDA.