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A fleet of lorries designed to save cyclists’ lives by giving drivers improved vision is set to hit London’s roads.

The Mercedes Econic trucks have a cube-shaped cab with a panoramic view and full-length glass doors so the driver can spot cyclists, pedestrians and other road users more easily.

Waste disposal firm O’ Donovan, based in north London, has bought three of them, which will be the first of their kind to be put to work in Britain. The vehicles were put on display at the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety exhibition at ExCel London yesterday.

The Econic, which costs about £100,000, has several models and the skip lorry is the version that will be tested in the capital. Trucks have been involved in a string of collisions in which cyclists have died or been injured. Many have happened when lorries turn left and cyclists come up on their inside in a blindspot for the driver. In 2014, 13 cyclists died and 419 were seriously injured on London’s roads. Last year nine died, seven in collisions with HGVs.

Simon Munk of the London Cycling Campaign, said: “The view for the driver is much better than on a normal lorry and this is a step in the right direction.”

Jacqueline O’ Donovan, managing director of the waste company, said: “We want to ensure our drivers have the best training and safest vehicles. The Mercedes cabs really are safer.”

Mike Brown, London’s Transport Commissioner, added: “I encourage all companies to follow O’ Donovan’s lead.”