Vigil Held For Bereaved To Remember Their Loved Ones

By Helen MacGregor

Serious injury experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell are calling on the government to take urgent action to prevent any further pedestrian or cyclist deaths on the UK’s roads.

The call comes after four people were killed by lorries in just 11 days across London. These include two cyclists and two pedestrians, one of which was just three-years-old.
A vigil is being held on Friday 19 July dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists killed by lorries. Bereaved families will call on the London Mayor to do more to tackle the dangers heavy goods vehicles can impose for other vulnerable road users.

During the vigil, co-ordinated by RoadPeace, attendees will call for the immediate implementation of measures that will protect both pedestrians and cyclists from the deadliest vehicles on the streets, including;
• low cost and life-saving HGV safety technology which can eliminate the blind spot should be mandatory for ALL lorries that operate in London
• lorry movements should be restricted at peak times so that people who walk and cycle can do so safely
• dedicated space must be given to cyclists to minimise conflicts between the heaviest vehicles on the streets with the most vulnerable

Alison Eddy, Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s London office works to secure vital rehabilitation and care packages for those injured on the city’s roads. She said:.

“Action needs to be taken now to try and reduce the number of serious roads traffic accidents between lorries and pedestrians and cyclists. More education and training is needed for all road users on how to share the roads safely to try and reduce the number of unnecessary accidents.

“Many of those who come to us for help have suffered serious brain or orthopaedic injuries and need months of care, rehabilitation and support to help them get their lives back on track and regain some independence.

“We hope the vigil gives bereaved family members a time to remember their loved ones and reflect, as well as highlight the need for action by the government to do more to prevent any further tragedies or serious injuries.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to cycling injury claims