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JBDL has launched Vehicle Avoidance Lateral Lights (VALLs). They attach to the external surface of a coach or a bus and do not affect the overall dimensions under the Construction and Use regulations.
Drivers of vehicles equipped with VALLs can use the lateral footprint that they provide as a definite guide when approaching a cyclist to avoid being to close and to safeguard the driver from prosecution should they pass too closely.
JBDL points out that police are now charging drivers for passing too close to cyclists under the #OpClosePass campaign.
Cyclists can also be prosecuted for riding carelessly or recklessly near to another road user, but police advise that 1.5m must be left between the cycle and the vehicle.
In particular, West Midlands Police has said that operators have a corporate responsibility to ensure that their drivers are properly equipped to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users that they encounter.
The VALLs are an advancement of JBDL’s existing downlights. The latter can still project a 1.5m depth of light along the side of the vehicle, but they must be fitted underneath it.
