Call for HGV ban in some streets following death of cyclist in Glasgow

A councillor is questioning whether HGVs should have limited access to streets where there are more cyclists and other vulnerable road users in Glasgow following the death of Emma Burke Newman.

Student Emma, 22, died from injuries in hospital after a lorry hit her bike and she was dragged under the HGV in January last year at the Broomielaw.

Lorry driver Paul Mowat, 69, admitted causing her death by careless driving and was given a community sentence last month. The court heard the driver’s windscreen and mirrors were dirty and his view was obscured by a reversing camera and the lorry had crossed a cycle space line at the junction.

Scottish Greens councillor Holly Bruce has asked what “actions will the council take, in conjunction with Police Scotland, to prevent any repeat of the incident in which cyclist Emma Burke Newman was killed, including enforcement of HGV vehicle checks, enforcement of drivers entering cycle safe zones at junctions, and limiting access by HGVs in areas where they are more likely to encounter vulnerable road users?”

Responding to the the question at full council last week, councillor Angus Millar said the “upgrading of cycle segregation on the Broomielaw and George V bridge is being taken forward subject to funding” and is at the design stage.

He said: “As we continue to roll out our road safety campaigns and deliver behaviour messaging the council is certainly open to working with Police Scotland colleagues to consider any opportunities to further tailor these messages to HGV drivers.

The legislative powers to carry out vehicle checks and enforce moving traffic offences are limited to Police Scotland but the council regularly checks statutory signage and road markings to permit enforcement as well as introducing new traffic regulation orders in conjunction with the police where improvements are identified.

This can include the prohibition of HGVs where there are restrictions in terms of weight, height, width and length.”

He said staff driving council HGVs are required to undertake a drivers’ certificate of professional competence.

The convenor for transport added that the ” best way to improve safety for people who cycle is to progress the introduction of segregated cycle infrastructure, which the council is very much committed to advancing across the city.”

Councillor Bruce asked councillor Millar if he would endorse an awareness campaign on box infringement and look at limiting access times for HGVs within specific areas.

Councillor Millar said the council is open to tailoring messages to drivers posing risks to “vulnerable road users” and would work with officers to look at what can be done regarding box infringement.

He said he would also be happy to discuss options about restrictions of HGVs with officials.