Bradford West MP George Galloway has called for a major cycling safety initiative after a spate of fatalities on Britain’s roads.

In a parliamentary motion submitted yesterday, Mr Galloway demanded that heavy goods and large vehicles on public contracts be fitted with safety equipment to warn of cyclists in blind spots.

He also called for the banning of heavy goods vehicles from city and town centres during rush hours, and a major government-funded safety campaign to make cyclists more aware of dangers and good cycling practice.