Construction and facilities company Vinci is demanding that all of its suppliers sign up with a heavy goods vehicle safety scheme.

The decision, which could be adopted by other contractors, follows a spate of accidents involving cyclists and construction delivery lorries.

Vinci will require suppliers to secure bronze accreditation with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). All companies supplying goods or services to Vinci using lorries over 3.5 tonnes in London must register with the scheme by 1 October, and achieve bronze accreditation by 1 January 2014.

Suppliers will also have to ensure by the start of next year that:

  • All vans and lorries delivering to Vinci sites in any London borough bear signage on the rear of the vehicle to warn cyclists of passing the vehicle on the inside
  • All drivers of vans and lorries are to have completed FORS-approved safe driver training prior to delivering to any sites.

Andy Sneddon, health and safety director at Vinci Construction UK said: “Vinci Construction UK is committed to improving the safety of vulnerable road users. We have therefore embarked on a strategy to ensure that all suppliers supporting our projects and contracts take measures to improve the safety of their vehicles. Membership of FORS by our suppliers is an outward sign of that commitment.”