Cyclist Dies After Colliding With HGV At Notorious Accident Blackspot

London mayor Boris Johnson has been urged to take action after a cyclist was killed in an accident at the Ludgate Circus junction in Westminster last week (April 3rd).

Chair of the London Assembly Darren Johnson said six cyclists were killed or seriously injured at this exact spot between 2008 and 2012 and it is clear that measures need to be introduced to protect vulnerable road users.

Transport for London (TfL) had included the junction in its list of 100 parts of the city that were due to be overhauled, but it was removed when the organisation scaled the project down to just 33 roads. Mr Johnson thinks this is a big mistake and suggested the apparent inaction relating to improving safety standards on the capital's roads is "unacceptable".

"Six cyclists were killed or seriously injured here in the space of five years yet despite this dreadful toll TfL aren't going to get this junction sorted out," he remarked.

London ambulance workers confirmed that a male cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene after coming into contact with a lorry.

The mayor has come under pressure to find new ways to prevent cyclists from being hit by HGVs and numerous suggestions have been made, ranging from forcing trucks to fit cameras that eliminate blind spots to a complete ban on lorries in the city centre at certain times.

Mr Johnson said the mayor must take responsibility for making London's road network cyclist-friendly by sanctioning measures such as 20 mph speed restrictions on certain roads and rolling out segregated cycle lanes.

"The mayor must also ensure restrictions put on unsafe lorries are properly enforced and should urgently publish his review on a proposed peak time lorry ban," he added.
 
Earlier this year, plans were announced to transform 33 of the capital's most dangerous junctions as part of a £300 million funding programme.

Boris Johnson said there are still far too many roads and junctions that are "relics of the sixties" and these badly-designed highways need to be brought into the 21st century.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a cycling accident, you may be able to claim compensation. See our Road Traffic Accident Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

We are sorry to hear of this latest fatality and are thoughts are with this man’s friends and family. <br/> <br/>“There are now over 500,000 cycling journeys taking place in London each day, which is almost double the figures from a decade ago and more needs to be done to protect them. Six serious or fatal cycling incidents at this exact spot within four years highlights that more safety measures are urgently needed here to protect cyclists. <br/> <br/>“So many accidents which have happened in the past year have also involved HGV’s and in a battle between a cyclist and a lorry the person on two wheels is always more likely to come off worse. <br/> <br/>“The consequences of a cyclist colliding with a motor vehicle can be devastating and serious head or brain injuries are often life-changing. Drivers need to show cyclists more respect on the roads and recognise that they are vulnerable road users.” <br/> Stephen Nye - Partner