Red lights evidence review for recovery operators

Roads Minister Michael Ellis has announced that the Department for Transport would be reviewing the evidence for letting recovery operators use red flashing warning beacons, instead of the amber ones that are currently permitted.

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

After a 10-month push from the Campaign for Safer Roadside Rescue and Recovery (CSRRR), the law may finally reach legislation.

Sir Mike Penning, 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.”

Campaign leader Sam Cockerill, whose partner Steve Godbold was killed as he recovered a vehicle using amber lights in the hard shoulder, said: “Today was an important day.

“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.”

The Department for Transport will look at an evidence review before making its decision, but MP Tracey Crouch, who has worked in conjunction with Sam, believes the ruling would have an immediate impact on drivers and their safety.

She said: “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.”