§ Mr. Irving asked the Secretary of State for Transport how he proposes to alleviate the problem of blind spots on the nearside of lorries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am grateful for the opportunity to explain our proposals. The problem is well known and has led to accidents resulting in serious and fatal injuries to other road users, particularly cyclists, who have been alongside the lorry outside the driver's view. Following a recent amendment to the European Community directive on mirrors my Department is circulating draft regulations which would require additional near side mirrors giving a downward, as well as improved rearward, view alongside the vehicle, to be fitted to new lorries from 1 October 1988. Meanwhile I hope operators will take advantage of the amending Directive and consider fitting the additional mirrors to their present vehicles or to any new ones which they buy.