Islington Tribune - News: Change in law follows death of cyclist

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 16 November 2007

Change in law follows death of cyclist

THE horrific death of a Holloway cyclist under the wheels of a lorry has resulted in a change in the law.
The government has ruled that from 2009 all heavy lorries must be fitted with mirrors that eliminate a blind spot blamed for cyclists’ deaths. The change follows a campaign by Islington South and Finsbury Labour MP Emily Thornberry.
On Monday, a St Pancras inquest was held into the death of researcher Amelia Zollner, 24, from Stock Orchard Crescent. She was fatally injured in Russell Square, Bloomsbury, as she cycled to work in March.
Ms Zollner was crushed by a lorry. Witnesses said they saw her pushed against a fence by the truck. An accidental death verdict was recorded.
Ms Thornberry, herself a cyclist, said that for £100 a driver could fit a mirror to eliminate the blind spot danger.
“The government has agreed to change the regulations, but sadly it is not going to happen until the year after next,” she added. “I hope these lorry firms won’t wait for 2009 but introduce mirrors now.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: