Cuts risk road deaths

Published: 11 February 2010

• I ENTIRELY agree with Alastair Campbell (not something I say often) on his backing for the early day motion calling for HGVs to be kept out of inner cities, fitted with safety measures and training drivers to be aware of cycle safety, in line with the campaign by the family and friends of Eilidh Cairns.

But the training element is already in place in London, although sadly perhaps not for much longer, in the form of the Commercial Vehicle Education Unit. 

Set up in 2005 by the Met Police and Transport for London’s freight unit, it now faces closure, as mayor Boris Johnson cuts its budget of less than £1million.

That the specialist skills and knowledge of this unit, and its work with companies to ensure their practices enhance safety, are under immediate threat is unbelievable, and can only contribute to the risk of new tragic deaths on the roads of London.
Beatrix Campbell
Green Party candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn