Are you ready for the new HGV conspicuity regs? Biglorryblog provides all the need-to-know details!

To meet the requirements of the new regulation 3M, the diversified technology company, has developed a range of ECE104 retro-reflective tape for both rigid and curtain sided vehicles. The reflective 3M markings clearly outline the rear and sides of a vehicle, making it highly visible at night to drivers from up to 1000m away. And for more information click on this link

www.3M.co.uk/traffic/ECE104  Alternatively my old mate Clutchslip wrote an excellent round-up on the new regs in Commercial Motor 09 April 2009  and you can get a back number by calling 01371 851800

Louisa Perry, product manager for 3M's Traffic Safety Systems division, tells me: "Due to their size and weight, HGVs tend to be involved in more severe accidents than large goods vehicles and cars. There are around 600 fatal accidents a year in the UK involving HGVs in rear or side impact with another vehicle. Research suggests that up to 12% of these could have been avoided if conspicuity marking tape had been fitted. It is estimated that 40% of road accidents occur during twilight, night and dawn, despite the fact that less than one third of traffic is on the road during these hours."

The regs in brief

• From October 2009, new 'type approved' heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with a mass over 7.5 tonnes and trailers with a mass over 3.5 tonnes operating in the UK, will by law be required to fit retro-reflective vehicle safety markings.
• From October 2011, all newly registered HGVs with a mass over 7.5 tonnes and trailers with a mass over 3.5 tonnes operating in the UK, will by law be required to fit retro-reflective vehicle safety markings.

Vehicle conspicuity essentials at a glance:

·         Rear of the Vehicle

• A complete contour line marking (box) in red needs to be applied if the rear of the vehicle is wider than 2100mm.
• Red is the permitted colour for the rear
• The conspicuity marking should be as close as practicable to the edge of the vehicle and should extend to at least 80 per cent of the overall width of the vehicle

·         Side of the Vehicle

• There are two options. Either a complete or a partial contour line marking. Partial contour markings are the minimum requirement.
• Yellow is the permitted colour for the side
• The conspicuity markings should cover to at least 80 percent of:
  • the length of the vehicle excluding the cab for motor vehicles
  • the length of the vehicle (excluding the drawbar) for trailers

3M has two main products designed for this purpose. These are the 3M Diamond Grade Vehicle Marking Film Series 983 (for application on rigid surfaces) and 3M Diamond Grade Vehicle Marking Film Series 987 (for curtain sides). Both meet all the requirements of regulation ECE104 and have achieved the E-Mark, having been tested and certified by an independent and authorised centre. Just remember that products must be certified and display the E-Mark to comply with the regulation.