Q In answer to a question — CM July 14 —
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regarding the new type of triangular rear reflectors for trailers it was stated that such reflectors must comply with a British Standard. I believe, however, that there is an alternative specffication for such reflectors, which must meet a European standard. Could you explain what this European standard is?
AThe Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1971, SI 1971 No 694, Part i)c. sections 31,32,33,34 offer two alternative requirements for obligatory reflectors for trailers; reflectors must be marked to BS AU40 or "with an approval mark incorporating the roman numeral III".
This latter mark indicates that the reflector has been tested and approved in accordance with the "European" LCE, Regulation No 3 as a Class II reflex reflector. The mark consists of a circle enclosing the letter E and a figure which designates the country which has granted approval (eg II for the United Kingdom), and outside the circle a type approval number, as well as the Roman figures III indicating the class of reflector.
Flexible Lamps Ltd, manufacturer of "Rubbolite" lighting equipment, markets a triangular reflector marked as follows: IIIC) 3189 This company comments "whereas British Standards marks are readily identified by the public, these 'E' marks are not; in many instances we have heard that vehicle examiners are not conversant with them. Equipment bearing such marks will be the rule rather than the exception in future, and, as manufacturers of `Rubbolite' commercial vehicle lighting equipment, we have found that there is general confusion and lack of knowledge among operators.