§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to ensure that mudflaps and other equipment on heavy goods vehicles are so designed as to reduce the lateral spray which can obscure the vision of other drivers, particularly when overtaking or being overtaken.
§ Mr. AtkinsRegulations requiring heavy goods vehicles and trailers to be fitted with spray reducing devices have been in existence since November 1984. The European Commission has put forward proposals for a directive on spray broadly in line with our regulations. The fitment of spray suppression devices is also a requirement of the heavy goods vehicle test.
Difficulties can still, however, arise with spray from vehicles in adverse conditions. Research into this problem is now taking place. Any additional requirements resulting from this research would need agreement withinthe European Community.