WHAT THE CHANGES MEAN
Page 17
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Until July HGVs had to comply with the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (RVLR) 1989, which said that they had to be fitted with retro-reflective rear marker plates approved to UNECE regulation 70.00.
After 10 July 2011 all new vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and trailers of more than 3.5 tonnes now have to comply with UNECE regulation 104, which establishes guidelines for safety markings on the rear and sides of these vehicles. This guideline has been incorporated into the revised 1989 RVLR.
This involves fitting yellow or white markings to the side of the vehicle or trailer and red or yellow to the rear. These reflective markings must cover at least 80% of the vehicle length and carry the E mark, which means the tape meets the minimum requirements of the legislation.
Chassis cabs or tractor units do not have to be fitted with the markings and vehicles or trailers under 2.1 m wide or less than 6m long are also exempt.
The tape can be bought from the FTA shop priced at £155 plus VAT for 55mm x 50mm tape for curtainsiders, or £140 plus VAT for 55mm x 50mm for rigids. See www.shop.fta. co.uk . It can also be obtained from the following 3M stockists: Allmark in Newry, Coventry and Bodelwyddan; Newtown Packaging, Worcestershire; William Smith and Sons Co Durham and D&S Roe Dublin.