VISIBILITY OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES

That this House very much regrets the Government's decision to postpone making retro-reflective markings mandatory on all newly registered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) until 2011; is dismayed that this announcement was made just 24 days before the measure was due to come into force; is concerned that although HGVs make up just 5.7 per cent. of road traffic, they are involved in 15 per cent. of all fatal road accidents; recalls that a report commissioned by the Department for Transport concluded that fitting retro-reflective markings to the sides and backs of HGVs increases conspicuity and reduces fatalities and that there is a cost-benefit to making this measure mandatory on all newly registered HGVs; questions the Government's statement that the postponement is in view of the economic climate in light of a statement by the Freight Transport Association that the measure would have a relatively slight impact on the industry; notes that this measure would cost approximately 0.001 per cent. of the price of a new vehicle; and calls on the Government to fulfil its commitment to introduce this measure for all newly registered vehicles immediately in order to reduce the disproportionate number of fatal accidents involving HGVs.