Rennicks UK offers vehicle markings advice
Vehicle livery specialist Rennicks UK has provided guidance for fleets on the adoption of vehicle conspicuity markings, including those running works vehicles.
Ian Thomas, business development manager for vehicle livery materials at Rennicks UK, highlights the 2011 European regulations that required new HGVs to be fitted with conspicuous retroreflective markings to the rear and sides to make them stand out at night, in an effort to reduce accidents that occurred as a result of vehicles not being seen.
“These markings are known as ECE 104 markings,” said Ian.
“In 2011, it became common place for works vehicles, such as those deployed by utility or construction companies, to be affixed with alternate red and yellow markings in the shape of a chevron to the rear of the van used for these works.”
Ian refers to the ways in which the UK’s roads have changed over the last 10 years, with smart motorways, LED streetlighting, and the rise of LED headlamps among the aspects that have changed and increased light pollution.
“It’s only right that an emphasis is also placed on improving vehicle conspicuity at night, particularly in road work scenarios to keep our roadworkers as safe as possible when doing their jobs,” he continued.
“During everyday use, materials applied to vehicles get covered in grime, particularly during winter. Using the best performing materials at build maximises the amount of light that can be returned, however much grime is evident, thus enhancing the visibility of the fleet and helping make our roads even safer.
“Understanding the guidance is key to ensuring the conformity and visibility of your fleet, the safety of your drivers and other road users.”
Ian (pictured, right) advised: “The guidance on the rear markings used on works vehicles is determined by the Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8.
“This guidance mentions three different classifications of retroreflective performance, which is the intensity level of light returned from the reflective markings. The classes advised are Class R1, Class R2 and Class R3B. R3B returns about twice the amount of light than R2, which in turn returns about three times the light as R1 materials.
“The guidance on rear chevrons was updated in April 2020 so that R3B classification materials are recommended for vehicles utilised on roads with speed limits of 40mph or greater; for speeds below 40mph class R2 is currently suggested. In reality, a contractor is unlikely to restrict the use of vehicles to lower speed roads, so employing the higher R3B class material is the way forward.”
