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.
Safety Action Plan
First and foremost, all motorized vehicles that do not meet EU standards should be prohibited from operating on EU roads. Until that is regulated by the EU they shall be prohibited within Cities.
Dangerous US pickup trucks
This Safety Action Plan promotes that the access for motor vehicles > 3.5 t in urban areas must be restricted to those that meet the requirements for a ‘City Truck’ designed for safer operation.
Requirements for a City Truck
- maximum driving space in accordance with Emergency Incident Access requirements (3-axle refuse vehicle with trailing axle, operating in driving mode 2) – exceptions can be made on big roads so trucks can access logistic centers and where long public transport buses do operate
- 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) for new vehicles 5 star for existing vehicles at least 2 stars – with no need for acoustic turning signal
The DVS has approved to safe life’s:
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2025/november/vulnerable-road-users-deaths-and-serious-injuries-in-collisions-with-hgvs-fall-50-per-cent-under-mayor-s-lorry-safety-scheme
- safety assistance systems:
- active brake assist
- front guard assist
- sideguard assist
- traffic sign assist
- reversing camera and light
- blind spot assist camera system
- adaptive cruise control
- speed limiting when reversing
- 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 newly registered vehicles must be zero emission
- 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 City Truck Safety Action Plan could be allowed to drive through or within the city only with a codriver and 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
