Authorities in London have today called for all lorries to be fitted with safety mirrors to reduce the risk of collisions with cyclists.

The London Assembly made the announcement following reports that nine cyclists have died in the capital so far this year as a direct result of lorry collisions.

Unlike coaches and private car hire motorists, heavy goods vehicles are thought to be less able to see cyclists on the road due to a combination of factors including the drivers position in the cab.

Joanne McCartney, assembly member, said: “This Assembly supports the use of ‘safety mirrors’ by HGVs which increases the ability of lorry drivers to be aware of cyclists.

“The Department for Transport estimates that a year’s delay in putting these measures in place could cost 18 lives in the UK.”

This follows an announcement from the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who has also called for a rephrasing of traffic lights across the capital to ease traffic congestion.