Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps HS2 Ltd has taken to ensure the safety (a) of cyclists in relation to the design of lorries, (b) awareness of lorry drivers and (c) accreditation of lorry operators involved in HS2-related contracts.

HS2 Ltd has set clear requirements for its supply chain to follow, as set out in the HS2 Phase 1 Route-wide Traffic Management Plan. These requirements include:-

a) Vehicles attending worksites are required to comply with the Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) standard with regard to the fitment and operation of safety equipment. Principal contractors are required to show how they will provide and operate vehicles which minimise ground clearance, remove blind spots, prevent underrunning and address driver visibility.

b) Construction drivers regularly accessing HS2 construction sites are required to demonstrate that they have attended accredited courses in work-related road risk driver training, rural driver training and fuel efficiency training.

c) Principal contractors are required to adhere to a quality standard, such as the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme, and to show how standards will be implemented through their supply chain.