Transport for London (TfL) has released a research report, which proves that direct vision from the cab of a lorry would have significant impact on improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists in comparison to the view from monitors and mirrors.

The findings of the research have been published as TfL launched the consultation process for its new initiative, 'zero to five star' Direct Vision Standard for HGVs operating in London.

The consultation process will close on 18 April this year and willidentify how the new standard can be best used to reduce road casualties on London's roads.

"Our ground-breaking Direct Vision Standard will be the first of its kind in the world, and TfL will lead by example by not using any zero-star lorries in its future supply chain."

The Mayor of London earlier announced that he plans to ban the most dangerous Heavy Good Vehicles (HGV) on London's streets by January 2020.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “This new research being released today shows how important it is we take bold action to address dangerous and poorly designed lorries operating in the Capital.

“HGVs with poor vision of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users from their cabin should simply not be allowed on London's roads.

"Every time someone is killed by a lorry on London's roads it is an appalling tragedy.

“Our ground-breaking Direct Vision Standard will be the first of its kind in the world, and TfL will lead by example by not using any zero-star lorries in its future supply chain.

“By continuing to work closely with industry, and beginning our first consultation now, we're confident that many of the most dangerous lorries on London's roads will be upgraded before our ban comes into place.”

According to a recent data, about 22.5% pedestrian fatalities and 58% of cyclist fatalities on London's roads in 2014 and 2015 were caused due to HGVs.

For this research, a simulator was used to replicate a real-life driving situation.

The study indicated that the drivers respond, on average 0.7 second slower when checking blind spots and monitors compared to directly through the windows, and this delay could result in death or serious injury of a person.