HL Deb 09 December 2002 vol 642 cc8-9WA
Lord Freyberg

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 do not permit cycles to be fitted with any lamp which automatically emits a flashing light; and whether they will consider changing these regulations to allow cyclists to use them legally; and [HL352]

Given that some cyclists prefer to use lamps which automatically emit a flashing light in contravention of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, whether there are safety advantages to such lamps. [HL353]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 do not allow cyclists to use flashing lamps for historical reasons. Flashing lamps have traditionally been used to attract extra attention to a vehicle and are not permitted on vehicles that are simply proceeding forwards in the normal way.

The Government are considering amending the regulations to permit optional flashing lamps to be used in addition to the steady lights required by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations. The Department for Transport is intending to issue a consultation paper on proposals early next year.

Research into pedal cycle lighting and conspicuity commissioned by the Department for Transport concluded that flashing lamps do not improve conspicuity but neither do they impair it.