§ Lord Freybergasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answers by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 9 December (WA8–9) 222WA and 16 December (WA84), why they will not consider allowing cyclists to use flashing lamps as an alternative to steady amps: and [HL859]
Further to the Written Answers by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 9 December (WA8–9) and 16 December (WA84), whether the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 will be amended to permit the use of flashing red lamps to the rear by cyclists, as recommended in their research into motor vehicles and pedal cycle conspicuity. [HL860]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonResearch carried out for the Department for Transport concluded that flashing lamps offer no conspicuity benefits over steady lamps but they could help provide a special light characteristic that would be associated with vulnerable users. As there is currently no standard for them, the Government are currently only proposing to allow them as optional lamps to be used in conjunction with steady lamps, which are required to conform to the British Standard.
The Department for Transport is intending to carry out a public consultation exercise in early 2003 on proposals to amend the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 which would allow the use of flashing red rear lamps on pedal cycles.