New skip rules in force
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OPERATORS who use builders' skips must now make sure that when they are deposited on the highway they have red and yellow reflective and fluorescent markings on each end.
Transport Minister Lynda Chalker says that the new regulations — which became effective from January 1 — are to tighten up on the safety hazards unlit skips cause at night.
The new markings arc the same design as the vertical ones used as heavy goods vehicle rear markings and they must comply with the British Standard BSAU 152: 1970 and be marked with that number.
The markings may be fixed to plates which are riveted to skips, or may be attached directly to the skips. Painted markings are not effective and arc illegal, the Department of Transport stresses, and skips must still be properly lit when it is dark.
A free DTP leaflet is available from the Department of Transport, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1, Room S5/12.