Breakdown recovery operators could be permitted to use red flashing lights to make them more visible on motorways.
This follows a parliamentary debate led by Tracey Crouch, the Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford.
Speaking in Westminster, Tracey Crouch referenced a roadside recovery worker, Steve Godbold, who was hit and killed by a lorry on the M25.
Steve’s partner Sam Cockerill has become a spokesperson for the Campaign for Safer Roadside Rescue and Recovery (CSRRR), a group lobbying for improved safety for roadside recovery operators.
Here is the link to the full debate on roadside recovery vehicles – the use of red lights. I know my constituent Sam is really grateful for everyone's support on this issue so thank you:https://t.co/JOIorhgbDN
— Tracey Crouch (@tracey_crouch) July 23, 2019
“There are nearly half a million roadside operators, in a variety of guises, who deserve protection,” said Crouch. “I want to focus on one specific call: to allow the use of red lights by the roadside recovery industry.
“We are simply asking for recovery operators to be permitted to use prominent red warning beacons while attending accidents and breakdowns on the hard shoulder or on other roads.”
Crouch is calling for a review of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, which prohibit roadside recovery vehicles from using red lights.
Red lights encourage drivers to become more cautionary in their approach, says Crouch.
‘A way to go yet’
Roads minister Michael Ellis said that the government would be reviewing the issue over the coming months, a move welcomed by members of the house.
Sir Mike Penning, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Roadside Rescue Recovery, said: “It is right that the Department for Transport are conducting this review.
“As chair of the APPG, I have heard evidence from groups throughout the industry. Allowing recovery operators to use flashing red lights has widespread support. I hope the government will continue to listen to the industry throughout the process.”
Sam Cockerill added: “Following Steve’s death I have sought to work to make sure that no one has to go through what I went through; I am convinced he would still be today if there was a red flashing warning beacon displayed on his vehicle.
“I know that there is a way to go yet in this fight, but to see the cogs of government beginning to move means a lot to me.”