Spin king Campbell backs lorry ban bid
ALASTAIR Campbell has joined a campaign calling for government action against lorries driving through city centres.
Tony Blair's former spin doctor, who lives in Gospel Oak, has backed an early day motion calling for HGVs to be kept out of the inner city.
The campaign is being spearheaded by the family of television producer Eilidh Cairns, 30, of Kingswear Road, Dartmouth Park, who was crushed to death in February last year as she cycled through Notting Hill Gate.
The motion demands that lorries are fitted with sensors, safety mirrors and audible warnings and that drivers are trained in cycle safety.
Mr Campbell, a keen cyclist himself, said: "Politicians of all parties are rightly encouraging people to use bikes more. There are good environmental and health reasons for that. But as more people take up cycling, so there has to be greater focus on the safety of cyclists.
"I have followed this campaign with some interest and know something of the tragedies that have led to its creation.
"The motion is the latest stage of their campaign and I hope MPs of all parties will support it as a way of signalling their support for making the roads safer for cyclists, and cutting the number of deaths involving collisions with HGV lorries."
Eilidh's sister Kate Cairns added: "We need to address the source of the danger. I think we should be considering future lorry design, how compatible they are with our streets and the way the fleets are managed.
"By supporting this motion, MPs are working towards finding a real solution. It makes sense when all benefits are taken into account."
Campaigner Joanne Clegg, of Belsize Park, who was a close friend of Eilidh Cairn, added: "We hope that with the support of people such as Alastair Campbell things are beginning to move forward and our campaign will gather more pace.
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