Drivers told to clear windscreens or face fines

The DVSA has urged HGV drivers to ensure their windscreens are always clear of obstruction after a cyclist in Birmingham was killed.

Robert Bradbury was found guilty of causing death by careless driving after he failed to see NHS doctor Suzanna Bull because a tray table on his cab dashboard was cluttered with ornaments and restricting his view (CM 12 December 2019).

He was sentenced to 21 months in prison and banned from driving for two years and 10 months.

During the case, it came to light that Bradbury’s employer knew that the lorry wouldn’t pass an annual test with the tray and so it was removed during tests, then replaced afterwards.

The DVSA said it has highlighted cases of blocked windscreens in the past, but that as a result of this case and the coroner’s verdict it was reminding all professional drivers of the importance of having clear windscreens.

In a blog post, the enforcement agency said: “We always check a lorry’s windscreen is clear of obstruction when carrying out our roadside checks.

“Unfortunately, our enforcement staff do still find vehicles where the drivers’ view is obscured.

“In all cases, the drivers will be given a prohibition and penalty. The obstruction must also be removed before the lorry is allowed to move on.”