The changes will mean Edinburgh has ‘the most advanced local authority fleet in Scotland when it comes to safety features’, according to transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson.

The council said it had taken inspiration from the Progressive Safe System (PSS) implemented by Transport for London last year.

The PSS has seven requirements:

  • Camera monitoring system fitted to the vehicle’s nearside
  • Class V and VI mirrors
  • Blind spot sensors fitted to the vehicles nearside
  • Moving off sensors fitted to the front of the vehicle
  • Side under-run protection on both sides of the vehicle
  • Audible warning alerts when vehicles turn left
  • Prominent visual warning signage

Cllr Jenkinson said: ‘We have a responsibility to our colleagues and our residents to make sure our fleet is as safe as possible. This is why we’re investing tens of millions of pounds into our fleet.

‘I hope that other parts of Scotland and the UK will look to London and Edinburgh’s example and follow suit.’

In October, a report into the safety of Edinburgh’s HGV fleet identified ‘strong concerns around the potential use of alcohol or drugs while driving’.

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