What Is REMA?
Founded 40 years ago, REMA is a trade association for companies that manufacture retroreflective traffic safety products, such as traffic cones and temporary barrier systems, as well as high visibility clothing and markings on vehicles.
REMA represents the interests of its members by:
• Having a close relationship with the DfT and other UK government bodies responsible for traffic safety as well as industry standards organisations in order to be able to advise REMA members of any changes to traffic safety regulations that impact on the manufacture of members’ products.
• Maintaining contact with the users of retroreflective safety products, such as the police, Highways Authority and public utilities, in order to obtain feedback about products.
• Running various subcommittees focusing on specific retroreflective safety product types in order to allow members to pool knowledge and experience, as well as offer political representation and lobbying influence where required.
High Visibility
One of the sub-categories of retroreflective traffic safety products that REMA focuses on are known as rear conspicuity markings or Chapter 8 chevrons (after the applicable chapter of the Department of Transport’s manual on traffic signs). The aim of such markings is to increase the visibility of emergency and first responder vehicles, as well as other vehicles that operate or stop on the roadside for work purposes. This is done by fitting the rear of vehicles with upwards-facing retroreflective yellow and red chevron stripes.
While Chapter 8 chevrons have only been mandatory since July 2011 for new vehicles, the DfT strongly recommends that all works vehicles are fitted with high-visibility chevrons in order to comply with Highways Agency contract requirements, as well as to reduce potential civil and criminal liability in the event of a roadside accident.
Complying with rear conspicuity marking requirements can be difficult for vehicle fleet operators, because not only do the conspicuity markings need to meet certain design standards laid out in the Department of Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual, but the materials used to create the markings also need to meet certain standards. Therefore, it is recommended to get all works vehicles professionally fitted with Chapter 8 chevrons.
A knowledgeable expert will be able to advise fleet owners on the markings design for each type of vehicle, as well as provide advice on the best materials and level of service requires to ensure that their the retroreflective markings meet the necessary requirements.
