A potentially revolutionary HGV design has been published by members of the London Cycling Campaign.

The Safer Urban Lorry model features lower seating arrangements and larger windows, which the group insists will make it easier for truck drivers to see cyclists.

It is hoped the innovative vehicles will help to reduce the number of cyclist fatalities if they are put into production. Half of all bike-related deaths in London are said to involve a HGV in some capacity, even though they only account for five per cent of overall traffic.

London Cycling Campaign haulage expert and former lorry driver Charlie Lloyd has urged the construction industry to embrace the idea.

"The restricted view from the cab of many of today's construction lorries means the driver often has little or no idea who or what is in their immediate vicinity, which is totally unacceptable," he remarked.

Earlier this month, the Department for Transport urged drivers to pay more attention to bikers when out on the roads. It is hoping to raise awareness of the issue through its £1.3 million THINK! motorcycle safety campaign.