Lib Dem MEP launches life-saving lorry campaign (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

Lib Dem MEP launches life-saving lorry campaign

November 10, 2010 12:01 AM

Fiona is fighting to improve road safety

Fiona Hall, MEP for the North East, is today launching 'See Me, Save Me' - a campaign which would save the lives of hundreds of cyclists every year.

An estimated 2000 cyclists are killed on roads in the UK and mainland Europe each year and many of these deaths are caused by blind spots that still exist for lorry drivers.

In a Written Declaration submitted to the European Parliament today, Fiona calls for the fitting of sensors and cameras in lorries to eliminate these blind spots. If more than half of all MEPs sign the Declaration before 17th February the Commission must make proposals to change the law.

Fiona began the campaign following the tragic death of Eilidh Cairns from Northumberland. Eilidh was killed by a lorry while cycling in London and her family have since campaigned tirelessly to improve road safety.

Fiona said,

"Eilidh's death was a shocking tragedy and it has made me determined to do all I can to prevent similar deaths in the future.

"Lorries account for only around 8% of traffic on our roads but they are involved in over 30% of accidents. Advances in technology mean there is an affordable and practical solution to the blind spots that cause so many of these accidents.

"Sensors and cameras in lorries would mean drivers were fully aware when pedestrians or cyclists were nearby, greatly reducing the number of accidental deaths and injuries.

"I urge anyone who wants to help end these needless deaths to write to their MEPs asking them to sign WD 81 as a matter of urgency. This is a EU-wide campaign so if you have friends or relatives in other parts of Europe then ask them to do the same. There is a standard letter which you can download at http://bit.ly/cEOo9M which can be emailed to MEPs. Taking just two minutes to do this will make a real difference.

"If we can get enough MEPs to support this Declaration we will make a huge breakthrough in road safety throughout Europe."

Eilidh's sister, Kate Cairns, welcomed the campaign and called for people to lend their support.

Kate said,

"My family and I know all too well the dangers facing cyclists and pedestrians on our roads. This campaign offers a real opportunity to ensure other families do not have to endure the same tragedy that we have.

"By just making the small effort to write to their MEP, people can make a big difference.

"Eilidh's death, and the thousands of other similar cases every year, show a pressing need for change and Fiona's campaign provides the chance to achieve that right across Europe."

Fiona's campaign has also received backing from the national organisations Sustrans and Brake.

Julie Townsend, Spokesperson for road safety charity Brake said,

"It is unacceptable that so many lives are needlessly cut short each year as a result of blind spots on commercial vehicles. Many of these tragic deaths and injuries could be prevented through mirrors and other devices fitted to vehicles. We're urging MEPs to support this declaration, which is a crucial move in protecting the lives vulnerable road users."

Peter Lipman, of Sustrans said,

"Sustrans is pleased to support the Written Declaration on HGV collisions as a step towards eliminating causalities caused by HGV blind spots."