Crossrail lorry drivers to receive cyclist awareness training

Crossrail has introduced a training programme for every lorry driver, regularly working on the construction of Crossrail, to be trained on how to drive carefully near cyclists. The programme aims to give drivers the skills they need to navigate London’s busy roads safely.

It is estimated that over the next seven years approximately 3,500 professional drivers will complete the tailored training course, which has been developed in consultation with cycling and road safety campaign groups and is supported by the freight industry.

Transport Minister Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP said:

“Crossrail will generate tens of thousands of jobs and inject at least £20 billion into the UK economy, while boosting rail transport capacity in London by 10 per cent.

“Building Crossrail will require large quantities of materials to be brought into the capital by road. But I am committed to ensuring that this vital work has as little impact on other road users as possible.

“Crossrail is the biggest construction project in Europe and I’m determined to make sure its one of the safest – for road users, workers and passengers alike.”

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

“Crossrail will bring huge benefits to the capital, and this initiative encouraging lorry drivers to look out cyclists is another example of our effort to keep the impact of construction to a minimum.

“Cycling in London is getting safer but with so many new cyclists taking to the streets it is imperative that those building London’s visionary new railway move around our streets with the utmost care. As someone who regularly cycles, and hears other cyclists talk of their experiences, it is clear that every action to cut the risk from lorries should be warmly welcomed.”

Crossrail Chief Executive, Rob Holden, said:

“Crossrail will maximise the use of the river and rail to transport excavated material and to deliver supplies to construction sites, but there will inevitably be some journeys that need to be made by road.

“The safety of all road users, including cyclists, is of paramount importance to us which is why frequent lorry drivers working for Crossrail must complete this induction training.

“By introducing the training well in advance of the main construction works starting, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that all of Crossrail’s drivers are equipped with the skills and expertise to navigate London’s busy roads safely.”

The training has been specially designed to focus on the lorry routes that Crossrail drivers working will use. Some of the busiest locations along each route are used as examples, raising drivers’ awareness of the safest way to navigate junctions and roundabouts. Drivers also watch a cycle safety training film produced by Transport for London (TfL) which is designed to help both cyclists and lorry drivers navigate London’s roads, and each other, safely.

With increasing numbers of Londoners taking to two wheels, a cross-agency approach to improving the safety of London’s cyclists is gathering pace with a specific emphasis on addressing the number of collisions involving large goods vehicles.

To date, 74 professional lorry drivers have completed the Crossrail Lorry Driver Induction Training which is based on the training offered through TfL’s Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). All drivers who attend the course receive a unique Crossrail ID badge that must be worn while driving on the project.