Trucks and cyclists

By James Styring 11 Feb 2008

In April last year, cyclist Tsk Fok was killed by a rubbish truck turning left from Broad Street into Parks Road. The courts have just ruled that this was an accident caused by careless driving - the driver, Trevor Ashworth, didn't see Fok because the truck's mirror was not adjusted properly.

The judge said Ashworth had driven without due care and attention because he had failed to notice his faulty mirror, although he also said that Fok should have waited for the truck to turn before he set off from the traffic lights. There is understandable outrage among cyclists about the £500 fine and eight-month driving ban.

This seems to most an extraordinarily light sentence, which sends out the message that life is cheap. A heavier fine may force drivers to take more notice of the condition of their vehicles before driving.

However, to put the sentence into context, the driver who infamously ran over and killed four cyclists in north Wales two years ago was fined just £180 with £35 costs, and given six points on his licence after admitting having defective tyres.

On the bright side, both councils appear to be taking heed. The county council has starting a publicity campaign to make cyclists and HGV drivers more aware.This campaign is vital. ... read more