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.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Jonathan Baggs, Crossrail Press Office: 020 3229 9552, jonathanbaggs@crossrail.co.uk

For more information about cycling in London, and cycle safety, please contact Nancy Ryder in TfL's press office on 0845 604 4141.

Notes to Editors

• By delivering training courses on safety awareness, Crossrail is fulfilling a Parliamentary commitment (Parliamentary Undertaking 577) to the Cycle Touring Club (CTC).

• The number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on London's roads has fallen by 21 per cent in the last decade. This is despite the number of journeys on London's major roads increasing by 107 per cent since 2000. While cycling in London is getting safer, collisions between cyclists and good vehicles remains a serious issue. The Mayor and TfL have developed a far-reaching cycle safety plan, part of their record £111 million investment in cycling this year. The plan, designed to keep the thousands of Londoners now taking to two wheels safe on London's roads, is being consulted upon and is available here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/13382.aspx

• The Crossrail initiative exemplifies London's joined-up approach towards delivering key infrastructure while keeping the safety of all road users as the number one priority.

• The induction training sets best practice and professional development in the industry by providing seven hours of periodic training as part of the new EU requirement for the professional development of lorry drivers. The pilot courses have been customised to meet Crossrail's needs and are delivered by the Crossrail logistics team in conjunction with Havering College of Further & Higher Education.

• All of Crossrail's frequent drivers (defined as those who make more than five round trips to any Crossrail construction site over the course of the year) who drive vehicles which are 3.5 tonnes or more must complete the training. The training has support from Roadpeace, the London Cycling Campaign, Cycle Touring Club, as well as input from Skills for Logistics who represent employers.

• Drivers taking part in the training are taught to stay alert and look out for cyclists particularly at junctions and on the near side, and not to cross stop lines or infringe on Advanced Stop Line boxes used by cyclists. A Fresnal lens is issued to all drivers to fit on the near side window of the driver's cab. Drivers are reminded that their vehicle's size in comparison with all vulnerable road users is taken into account at all times.

• Last year, 13 cyclists lost their lives on London's roads with nine of these cyclists involved in a collision with a goods vehicle.

• The Crossrail Lorry Driver Induction Training is based on the training offered through TfL's Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). TfL's cycle safety training film, which includes safety tips for both cyclists and HGV drivers, is available to view online at www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling

• Crossrail has well developed plans to minimise the impact of construction on central London through limiting lorry movements and the use of dedicated lorry routes. These routes will have local signing provided from the main road network to ensure that drivers keep to the approved routes. Work sites will be numbered and this will be used on local signage in agreement with the local authority. Lorry routes are being produced for each area affected by Crossrail construction, including central London where the greatest activity will take place. The lorry routes are based on those that were submitted and scrutinised through the three-and-half year Crossrail Bill process. Submissions for approval of the routes under the Crossrail Act are being made to relevant local authorities.

• Excavated material from Crossrail tunnelling will generally be removed by rail and water while construction material from stations and station related work such as permanent access and ventilation shafts will generally be initially removed by road and then transferred to the river. Crossrail is working with the Port of London Authority and British Waterways to promote and maximise the use of water transport for delivery of construction materials and the removal of construction material and waste, and with the rail industry to ensure a joined-up approach to the use of rail for transportation of materials.