Q We operate tankers carrying dangerous liquids and I am
Page 52
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
told that there are special reflective rear marker plates which ought to he carried on such vehicles. Could you say if this is so and what is the relevant Regulation?
A You are probably referring to the special emergency plates which were the subject of an amendment to the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. The amendment, which came into force on March 15, this year, calls for vehicles carrying dangerous goods on international journeys to display identification plates made of orange reflex reflective material. One of these plates must be displayed to the rear of the vehicle.
• In this country, however, such a plate would be considered to be "lights" under Section 80 of the Road Traffic Act 1972. Its display to the rear of a vehicle would, therefore, contravene Section 70(b) of the Act. It is proposed to make a new Regulation — The Motor Vehicles (Rear Markings) Regulations 1974 — which would permit vehicles to operate in the United Kingdom with markers of this type. It will be permissive only and will not require these markings to be used for the carriage of dangerous goods in this country.
It is expected that the Regulations will require the plate to be covered during the hours of darkness while the vehicle is in the UK.