What are conspicuity markings?
Conspicuity markings are strips or panels of reflective material that cover the edges of a large goods vehicle so that other road users can see its outline.
These markings are used to increase the safety of other road users who, in the dark, may not be able to tell just how large a vehicle is or how slowly it is travelling.
According to the Department for Transport, if all goods vehicles had conspicuity markings, 76 deaths and serious injuries could be prevented in the UK each year.
Junior transport minister Michael Penning revealed in March that 986 people were injured by foreign-registered heavy goods vehicles in 2009.
Conspicuity markings regulations
The government agreed that conspicuity markings would be made compulsory for large goods vehicles in the updated Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, which came into force on 10 October 2009.
This did not happen however, as in September of that year the then secretary of state for transport, Lord Adonis, announced that the rules surrounding conspicuity markings would be postponed until 10 July 2011.
What vehicle types do the regulations apply to?
When the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations are updated again in July, goods vehicles that weigh over 7,500 kg will have to display the markings, as will trailers with a gross vehicle weight of over 3,500 kg.
These rules will not apply to chassis cabs, vehicles that are not transporting goods, tractor units, or incomplete vehicles that are travelling to site in order to be completed.
Another exemption includes incomplete vehicles that are on their way to be stored or displayed for sale.
Vehicles or trailers that are less than 2.1 m wide will not need to have rear markings and those with an overall length that is less than 6 m will not require side markings.
Where do the markings have to be placed?
The markings have to run in a strip along the bottom, top and both sides of the rear of a large goods vehicle.
On the sides of a vehicle, a strip of reflective material must run just above the bottom edge, but at least 80 per cent of the way across, and must be between 250 mm and 1,500 mm from the ground.
A 250 mm right-angle must also appear in each of the top corners and must be within 400 mm of the top of the vehicle.
What materials should be used for the reflective markings?
The material used should meet the requirements for colour, reflectivity and durability set out in Regulation ECE104 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Vehicle Regulations Agreement.
Rear markings must be red or yellow and side markings must be yellow or white, measuring between 50 mm and 60 mm in width.