§ Mr. Drew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the implementation of UN/ECE 48 and UN/ECE 104 with regard to conspicuity marking on heavy goods vehicles; [178456]
(2) what discussions he has had with the heavy goods vehicle industry on the introduction of conspicuity marking. [178457]
§ Mr. Jamieson:Conspicuity markings conforming to UNECE Regulation 104 are now an optional requirement for vehicles approved to UNECE Regulation 48. Fitment is already permitted in the UK provided they comply with the colour requirements but, as they are optional in UNECE 48, the Government could not unilaterally mandate them.
A German proposal has been made to the UNECE working party on Lighting and Signalling to mandate UNECE 104 tape in UNECE 48 for all new vehicles over 12 tonnes. The Department of Transport will need to weigh up the road safety benefits and the costs before reaching a view on the proposal.
A current European Commission study is investigating the costs and benefits of fitting the tape to new and existing heavy vehicles. The Department will also be commissioning research to provide an updated cost-benefit analysis for the UK.
Representations have been received from both the Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association.