Early Day Motion on cyclists and lorries.

[spindrift]

suggested letter so you can do it easily.

Dear [YOUR MP],

As a cyclist I am concerned about Mayor Boris’ decision to disband the Commercial Vehicle Education Unit (CVEU). The CVEU found that 70 per cent of the Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) they checked since 2005 were defective. It is the only police unit in the country that has the power to properly investigate unsafe LGV operators, and bring them up to standards set by Health and Safety law.

The decision comes in a year that has seen eight cyclists killed by LGVs in the capital. Six have been women. I believe Boris Johnson's actions are irresponsible and must not be allowed to continue. The mayor has claimed that the voluntary scheme for haulage companies, the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS), provides adequate enough protection for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. I believe it is reckless to leave the safety of cyclists in the hands of a voluntary scheme. There are undoubtedly operators who will never consider joining the FORS.

You can help the cyclists of your constituency by signing Diane Abbott's Early Day Motion when you are asked.

EDM 2144 CYCLISTS' SAFETY IN LONDON Abbott, Diane That this House is saddened and alarmed by the tragic deaths of 10 cyclists on London's roads this year; notes that eight of these deaths have involved heavy goods vehicles; further notes Transport for London's decision to shut down the Metropolitan Police Commercial Vehicle Education Unit (CVEU); recognises that the CVEU is the only unit in the country with the power to investigate lorry operators; further notes with concern that 70 per cent. of the lorries checked by CVEU since 2005 were found to be defective in some way; believes the work of the CVEU is desperately needed to improve road safety for cyclists; and calls on the Mayor of London to reinstate the funding for the Commercial Vehicle Education Unit.

I hope you can help us make London one of the most cycle friendly cities in the world.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]


Lobbying Work Group - LGV Action Group


Here's the list of the 40 who have signed as of Wednesday 4 November 6pm:

Abbott, Diane
Bottomley, Peter
Meale, Alan
Slaughter, Andy
Cryer, Ann
Godsiff, Roger
Hopkins, Kelvin
Jones, Lynne
Corbyn, Jeremy
Taylor, David
McCrea, Dr William
McDonnell, John
Campbell, Gregory
Caton, Martin
Cook, Frank
Dismore, Andrew
Drew, David
Gerrard, Neil
Hancock, Mike
Vis, Rudi
Robinson, Iris
Simpson, David
Llwyd, Elfyn
Pugh, John
Dean, Janet
Thornberry, Emily
Sanders, Adrian
Harvey, Nick
Beith, Alan
Williams, Betty
Russell, Bob
Simpson, Alan
Jackson, Glenda
Mullin, Chris
Gidley, Sandra
Hamilton, David
Baker, Norman
Webb, Steve
Williams, Roger
Swinson, Jo

[spindrift]

Boris had a press conference today in Brixton and was told by a cyclist that she was nearly killed by a bin lorry and if Boris thinks it's because she was a nervous cyclist he's an idiot. She said she was lucky to survive. The Action group are trying to trace the woman.

[alexb]

Don't bother writing to Keith Hill (Lab - Lambeth). He wrote back to tell that EDM's are a waste of time.

[Eccentrica Gallumbits]

In that case, let's all write to him!

[Redlight]

EDMs ARE a waste of time. No one takes any notice of them. They're just a mechanism for MPs to pat themselves on the back without actually doing anything.