Safer lorries could soon be arriving on Britain’s streets, saving the lives of hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists, after the European Commission proposed new designs for HGVs.

Under the changes manufacturers would be allowed to create more rounded, aerodynamic cabs of lorries to allow for greater visibility and eliminate dangerous blind spots, a lethal problem highlighted by the Times Cities Fit for Cycling campaign.

A Commission spokeswoman said: “It means that many of the issues being raised in London by cyclists — such as lower driver seats, or glass panelling, or even moving the driver to the centre of the cabin — could now be looked at.” She added: “Given the restrictions on length, the cabin simply tends to get squeezed to maximise loading