Mark Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 As a by-topic of discussion of the police one, what is the law regarding beacons rotating, do I need to put one on the Reo or is this just a folly, anyone know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Yes I was just about to ask the same. I was thinking with the Hornet towing the Cipher trailer crawling along to Great Dorset Steam Fair. I can never get much speed up on those small roads & hills. Although what scares me more is travelling on the motorway where you have to stay on the motorway by moving into the middle lane when a particular junction comes up. The M27 by Rownhams Services is a pain as it is uphill as well. If you move over in good time you will be hooted & cut up, if you leave it to the last practical moment nobody will let you in. I have often thought an orange light might be a useful indicator that something odd was up ahead. BTW is there a minimum motorway speed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Found this.. http://www.ukemergency.co.uk/information/bluelightuse.htm You can only have a steady white light to the front and a steady red light showing to the rear of your vehicle. The exceptions to this are: BLUE flashing from an emergency vehicle flashing or constant from a police vehicle GREEN on a doctor’s car WHITE reversing lights work lamps AMBER any vehicle’s indicators amber pedal reflectors or pedal lights reflected from a registration plate reflected from a road clearance vehicle reflected from a vehicle carrying dangerous substances reflected on some old or heavy vehicles flashing amber lights on a road clearance vehicle a bin lorry a breakdown vehicle a vehicle with a 25 mph top speed a vehicle wider than 2.9 metres a roadworks vehicle an escort vehicle a Revenue and Customs vehicle a surveying vehicle a clamping or tow truck vehicle airport vehicles any other specially authorised vehicle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 7, 2007 Author Share Posted January 7, 2007 So all these military vehicles with amber rotaters are breaking the law except a few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 So all these military vehicles with amber rotaters are breaking the law except a few I can do road clearance with the Fox :whistle: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 I sort of thought that if the vehicle couldn't manage a specified speed on a particular type of highway then there was a requirement but can't find anything. This document covers amber flashing lights but doesn't really say anything useful; http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_1.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berni Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 we only use 1 on a motorway but more to warn others that there is something up ahead that may be slower/bigger than the norm. we don't use 1 on day to day A/B roads. i think other road users appreciate it because they tend to move lanes far earlier than they may usually have done. i feel safer knowing we have warned the general public to be a little weary as so often a modern vehicle has come racing up behind us & had to slam their foot on the brakes as they haven't realised we are going so slow compared to them. Berni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 7, 2007 Author Share Posted January 7, 2007 What vehicle do you use it on Berni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berni Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 we had 2 jimmys & a dodge in convoy on the M4 & M25 & it was between 1am & daylight so we thought it best really. Berni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirhc Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 I use one on my Spartan when I take it out on the roads, I only drive on A & B roads and I think it is only fair to warn other road users that I am there! I always enjoy the look on some drivers faces when they come flying round a corner taking the racing line and see the Spartan is coming the other way! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 I use one on the Stalwart because at any sign of a grade in the road it slows down - to about 25mph.... On the flat when we break 30 mph then it can be turned off - if I remember..... :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilitantGraham Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 To add a bit more detail to that list above, I believe the permission for breakdown trucks to use an amber beacon only covers them in the immediate area of the breakdown. So that would be slowing down to attend a roadside incident, while dealing with it and while accelerating away afterwards. It does not cover the whole journey to and from the incident. I travel at about 42mph on motorways in the Militant, although some hills can get me down to about 20mph. On twisty and hilly A roads I can be down to 7mph at times. I generally use the beacons any time I think there is a risk of cars coming up fast behind me, motorways, dual carriageways and clear single carriageways. If the traffic is moving at my speed anyway, there's not much point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 FWIW to anyone i asked this question of a traffic policemen friend - this is his reply: Neil. The regs say. Reg 11 Road vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989. No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp or retro reflective material capable of showing any light to the rear other than a red light except Ignoring all the bollocks about indicators etc Amber from Warning beacon. Road clearance vehicle. Refuse collection vehicle Breakdown vehicle Vehicle with maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph or from it's trailer. Vehicle with width (including load) exceeding 2.9m. road testing, cleaning, maintainance vehicles. Road apparatus testing, cleansing maintainance and inspection vehicle. Special types sec 44 vehicles - abnormal loads. Vehicle used for escort purposes at speeds not exceeding 25mph. Customs and Excise road fuel testing vehicles. Vehicle used for surveying. Vehicle used for statutory removals or immobilisation. Looking at the above, it would seem to agree with your point, "only if the speed drops below 25mph" Now for a bit of reality. You asked me regarding licences prior to buying Maude, and I told you that it would be most unlikely, a) to get stopped driving it, and b) even less likely to get someone like myself who was taught the old fashioned way, IE Actually had some traffic law training!! now apply this to the flashing lights, abnd deduce what you will, but I think it would be most unlikely that you would get stopped and bollocked for having the light flashing when it shouldn't be. IMHO you are better off having it on on the type of vehicle you would be driving, rather than not. It might just attract the attention of some myopic idiot and avoid them running into the back of it, I would also add, if it's dark, PUT IT ON Hope this is of use................... god my brain hurts!! All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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