Truck display in Exeter demonstrates bike awareness

Gregory Distribution Limited are displaying one of its 44–tonne articulated vehicles at Exeter City Centre’s Bedford Square on Princesshay inviting the public to “get up close and personal” with a lorry.

The event is part of the Road Haulage Association’s National Lorry Week, a UK-wide awareness campaign developed to demonstrate to the public and politicians the vital role that lorries and road freight play in moving the economy and daily life.

Paul Willis, Gregory’s Head of Business Support and Compliance and Chairman of the North Devon Road Haulage Association, said: “As well as the principle aim of raising the awareness of the essential role of the road transport industry, we are using the event to highlight cycle awareness with bicycles positioned around the vehicle in the drivers blind spots.

“We are welcoming cyclists to get in the cab to witness for themselves where drivers cannot see bikes and by increasing their understanding of the everyday challenges drivers face.

“We are also answering questions from the general public and are looking for young people who may be interested in a career in driving and other industry-related jobs.

“The Gregory trailer we chose to display has a bespoke livery supporting the achievements of Exeter Chiefs which is quite appropriate as the event coincides with the start of the Aviva Premiership and falls within the same week as the Rugby World Cup Final.”

National Lorry Week takes place between 26-31 October and the Gregory vehicle will be on display in Bedford Square on Wednesday and Thursday 28/29th when their team will be collecting for Age UK Exeter, the 2015 charity partner of Princesshay.

Picture from left: The Gregory Team - Steve Rose, Paul Willis (Gregory Head of Business Support and Compliance), Kevin Hould, Andy Coaker, Kirsty Hare and Kate Tennant