Cycling in London is becoming more popular and there is a real need for all road users to understand each others perspective. So the combined efforts of the Met Police, City of London Police, TFL and London Cycling Campaign are to be welcomed. Today I sat in the cab of a Volvo truck and saw for myself just how limited the visibility can be close up to a large lorry. The blind spots include immediately in front of the truck as well as the sides. Despite large mirrors there is a huge amount of unseen space and cyclists would be invisble even if sitting stationary immediately in front of a truck while waiting at traffic lights.
Whilst taking about the issue of cyclists we discussed the use of the Advanced Stop lines and the fact that motorists must stop at the first white line and not go into the cyclists waiting area. The highway code is clear...
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Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 36(1) & 43(2)]
\rant over
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