North West Labour Euro MP and EU Transport Chief Brian Simpson has this week called for more to be done to protect cyclists, pedestrians and motorists from the "blinds spots" of Heavy Goods Vehicles on North West roads.

In Strasbourg on Tuesday, Mr Simpson, as the Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, has lead all Labour Euro MPs in signing a declaration that calls on the European Commission to review older laws that are failing to tackle the issue of drivers' "blind spots" that lead to thousands of fatalities each year.  

"This campaign heightens the pressure on law-makers in Brussels to look again at how we can prevent these needless tragedies. By fitting lorries with sensors, cameras and better brakes, cyclists and pedestrians will become more visible and drivers will be able to react quicker in an emergency", said Mr Simpson in Strasbourg.

The "See me, save me" campaign has been launched by the family of cyclist Eilidh Cairns, who tragically lost her life two years ago in a collision with a lorry on her route to work. Eilidh's family and friends have called on all UK Euro MPs to sign the petition and will be visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week to ask politicians from all countries to add their voice to the campaign before the deadline for signatures on Thursday.

"The EU has aimed to cut road fatalities by a half and laws in 2003 and 2007 did a great deal to increase the safety of HGVs. But today we are asking the Commission to review the situation and make sure we are taking advantage of new and affordable technology to keep people safe on North West roads", added Mr Simpson.

Lorries account for only around 8% of traffic on British roads but they are involved in over 30% of accidents.