Problem 

Trucks remain the most dangerous motor vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists, causing around 1,000 fatalities annually in the EU. In addition to these tragic deaths, many other victims suffer serious injuries, some with lifelong consequences. Truck drivers themselves often experience long-term psychological trauma after killing a pedestrian or cyclist.

Given these dangers, it is imperative that access for trucks (motor vehicles over 3.5 tons) in urban areas and neighborhoods be restricted to those that meet the standards of a ‘City Truck’ designed for safer operation.

Dangerous US pickup trucks

First and foremost, all motorized vehicles that do not meet EU standards should be prohibited from operating on EU roads.

Safety Action Plan

Requirements for a City Truck

• maximum driving space in accordance with ‘Emergency Incident Access Requirements‘ for Class 2 emergency vehicles (3-axle refuse vehicle with trailing axle, operating in driving mode 2)
• max. 10 t axle load
• max 72 dB noise emissions
• no noisy truck horns
• flashing side indicators
• ADAS performance according the NCAP for commercial vans with the standard requirements for at least EAB for pedestrians and cyclists and speed assist
• reflective side and rear markings according ECE 104 
• compliance with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), similar to London regulations, combined with an effective turn assist system or the presence of a co-driver.

• additional effective systems to further enhance (to be clearly definded)

• flexible front bumper (up to now strangely still full steel bumpers are allowed on trucks)
• full-surface side underrun protection, with the exception of steered wheels, from at least 0,20 cm from the road surface to at least 1.50 m high (the side underrun protection can also serve as an openable cover, with recessed levers, for load compartments behind it)
• rear underride guard with a surface area corresponding to the actual necessary rear slope angle
• trailer couplings and drives for lifting walls must be integrated into the underride guard as much as possible
• the right hand door must be fitted with glass side panels (for left side drive countries the left hand door)
• if at all feasible, the right-hand door (for left side drive countries the left hand door) shall be a “bus door” that swings only minimally into the carriageway
• at least Euro 6, and from 2024 newly registered vehicles must be zero emission vehicles.
• no dangerous goods transportation unless with an official exemption

Transition solutions

For countries, regions, or cities that do not want to implement this safety action plan on a full scale immediately, a transitional measure can be adopted. Trucks that do not comply with the safety action plan could be allowed to drive through or within the city only when the air quality index is good and during daytime hours, such as between 7:00 and 22:00.

Enhanced Safety Benefits for the Driver

In addition to enhancing safety for other road users, positioning the driver’s seat as low as possible in the vehicle can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of exit accidents involving truck drivers.

City Truck Examples

Concept Designs of City Trucks