VOSA Conspicuity Requirements

Haulage companies and individual HGV owners need to be aware that the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) recently issued new guidelines for vehicle conspicuity. The regulations are intended to make car and van drivers aware of the dimensional space requirements of HGVs. Making large vehicles more conspicuous helps to reduce accidents.

The updated requirements call for using a designated amount of reflective tape placed in conspicuous locations on trucks and trailers. The main difference is that the new requirements allow the mandate to be met with line markings on the side and rear of vehicles and trailers. VOSA is quick to point out that the minimum markings now required to pass the annual conspicuity test may not be enough to meet other requirements.

The other major change has to do with rigid vehicles. In cases where markings on the vehicle body meet the minimum 80% requirement, the cab still must also be equipped with reflective tape. Any gap between cab and body markings is irrelevant as long as the minimum standard has been met.

Where HGV drivers are concerned, they are ultimately responsible for making sure vehicles meet conspicuity requirements before taking vehicles out on the road. Independent owner/operators will bear that responsibility by themselves; drivers employed by other companies will need to work with their supervisors to ensure compliance.

 Safety First

The updated VOSA requirements are yet another reminder that the idea of “safety first” should always be foremost in the minds of drivers and fleet managers. At the HGV Training Centre, we strive to make sure all of our students understand that mentality. Whether a student receives his/her HGV training in greater Manchester or South Yorkshire, safety always comes first.

For example, we fully understand the need for the conspicuity requirements as laid out by the VOSA. Even though HGV’s are easy to spot due to their size, the difference in dimensional perspective often makes it difficult for van and car drivers, motorbike operators and cyclists to accurately judge how much space these vehicles need to manoeuvre. The reflective tape is meant to mitigate some of the dimensional confusion.

When drivers receive their HGV training through one of our facilities, we instruct them in these types of safety issues and more. In fact, we assist our students every step of the way; from getting a provisional entitlement to passing the theory test to providing practical skills training; we do it all.

If you are looking to start a new career as an HGV driver, you’ll be pleased to know that the HGV Training Centre operates more than 45 facilities around the country. We offer training for vehicles of all types and sizes including HGV, PCVs, and forklift trucks.

Our intense and fast-paced approach will teach you everything you need to know to pass your tests the first time. In little over eight weeks you can be licensed and on the road. We even offer help in finding a job through our regularly updated jobs database.