Many Londoners want lorries to be banned from going down busy roads at peak times, a new study has found.

According to research carried out by YouGov for the Evening Standard, 55 per cent of people think restricting access during morning and evening rush hours could reduce the number of fatal crashes with cyclists.

Meanwhile, 51 per cent suggested it should be cyclists who are banned from using busy roads at peak times.

Interestingly, 49 per cent of the people surveyed who said they cycle themselves agreed. Nevertheless, the proportion of cyclists supporting a ban on lorries was greater, as 68 per cent said rush hour restrictions should be imposed on HGVs.

Andrew Gilligan, London's cycling commissioner, has questioned the wisdom of imposing a rush hour ban on lorries.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said such a ban would simply lead to deliveries being dispersed to other times of the day, in which case the benefits for cyclists and pedestrians would be minimal.

Furthermore, he pointed out that travel restrictions could lead to more deliveries taking place late at night, which cause disruption in residential areas and affect people's sleep and overall health.

"Far more important in this debate is the safety of vehicles themselves," he stated.

"Manufacturers are increasingly aware of this, with more lorries now featuring advanced technology and better cab designs."

Chrys Rampley, infrastructure manager at the Road Haulage Association, added that hauliers are willing to make more deliveries outside peak hours.

However, he said this is often difficult as various restrictions and curfews are in place.