Roads Minister announces ‘evidence review’ of red lights for recovery operators

Review follows ten month-long push for recovery operators to be able to use red lights

Roads Minister announces ‘evidence review’ of red lights for recovery operators

In a significant win for the roadside rescue and recovery industry, Roads Minister Michael Ellis MP has announced that the Department for Transport (DfT) would be reviewing the evidence base for the benefits of recovery operators being permitted to use red flashing warning beacons, instead of the amber warning beacons current legislation allows.

The announcement occurred during a Westminster Hall debate led by Tracey Crouch MP.

The review into the evidence base for red lights follows a 10 month-long push for recovery operators to be able to use red lights led by the Campaign for Safer Roadside Rescue and Recovery (CSRRR).

The Campaign has been spearheaded by Sam Cockerill, whose partner Steve Godbold was hit and killed as he recovered a vehicle on the hard shoulder on the M25 in September of 2017.

Widespread support

Sir Mike Penning MP, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Roadside Rescue and 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.”

“Means a lot to me”

Sam Cockerill, whose partner Steve Godbold was hit and killed as he recovered a vehicle using amber lights, was in attendance at the debate: “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.”

Tracey Crouch, Sam Cockerill’s MP, said: “I am pleased that the Department for Transport has announced this evidence review today.

“I became involved in the campaign after meeting my constituent Sam Cockerill whose partner Steve Godbold was tragically killed while recovering a broken-down vehicle on the hard shoulder.

“There are a number of reasons why this policy change seems intuitively sensible, but the fact that the colour red has an enhanced psychological impact on road users makes this an absolute no-brainer.”

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Home Page Forums Roads Minister announces ‘evidence review’ of red lights for recovery operators

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  • #182400 Reply

    In a significant win for the roadside rescue and recovery industry, Roads Minister Michael Ellis MP has announced that the Department for Transport (D
    [See the full post at: Roads Minister announces ‘evidence review’ of red lights for recovery operators]

    #182430 Reply
    Peter fearnley
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    Can’t come soon enough well done everyone involved in the campaign

    #182432 Reply
    JOHN LOCKWOOD
    Guest

    I WAS ANB AA PATROL FOR 18 YEARS STARTING IN THE BAD WINTER OF 1987, IN THAT DECUSIONS ABOUT RECOVERY AND BREAKDOWN SERVICES NEEDING DIFFERENT COLOUR BEACONS THAN AMBER, MAGENTA WAS ADVISED AND I BELIEVE SOME LANDROVER DEDICATED BREAKDOWN VEHICLES WERE EQUIPTED WITH THESE AS A TRIAL APPARENTLY MAGENTA CAN BE SEEN AT A GREATER DISTANCE.

    #183071 Reply
    gerald humphrey
    Guest

    yes this would be great step forward i have been on the M25 and come close to losing my life we do a very dangerous job so come lets have a bit more protection Gerrys auto repairs

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