UK drivers who break down on their way to and from the Athens Olympics may put themselves in danger on busy Italian roads because they dont understand a new law. On 1 April the Italians introduced a law that forces motorists, whose vehicles break down at night or in poor visibility, to wear a reflective jacket when they get out of the car or face an on-the-spot fine of up to 138 euros. Spain will enforce a similar law from 24 July, fining up to 91 euros.
The AA Motoring Trust is concerned that UK motoring travellers will fail to understand how the new law works. This could lead to car and minibus passengers staying in their vehicles on fast and busy roads because they dont have reflective jackets and fear being fined. It may be safer for them to leave the vehicle and stand away from a dangerous road, as advised by the UK Highway Code.
Under the new law, according to Italian road authorities, drivers in Italy must carry a yellow or orange reflective jacket that conforms to European Standard EN471. This must be worn if the car breaks down and the driver gets out on the road, for instance, to check under the bonnet, change a wheel, set up warning triangles or walk down the road to phone for help.
The authorities require other vehicle occupants to wear a reflective jacket if they are standing on the road, perhaps to help change a wheel or hold a light, but they will not fall foul of the regulations if they remain off the road.
The AA recommends that, when driving through Italy and, from July 24, Spain:
- Each vehicle carries at least two reflective jackets. This provides one for the driver and another for a passenger who may need to assist, for instance in changing a tyre, when the vehicle breaks down. They should be carried in the passenger compartment.
- If a vehicle breaks down on a fast and busy road, pull over as far to the inside as possible and switch on hazard lights. Occupants should get out of the vehicle and stand well clear of the road, preferably several metres away, particularly if other vehicles pose a danger of collision.
- Where there is nowhere safe to stand well away from the road, occupants may be better advised to stay in the car until help arrives. Railings, barriers, bridges and breaking down in an outer lane of a busy road may make it dangerous for vehicle occupants to get out.
Discussions with motoring groups, road and police authorities, and tourist boards for Italy and Spain have produced conflicting advice on the implementation of the new law, says Andrew Howard, head of road safety for The AA Motoring Trust.
The Italian and Spanish Tourist Offices have now confirmed that the police in both countries say drivers must carry a reflective jacket in their cars at all times. In Italy, the law applies to all roads, both inside and outside towns and cities and, in Spain, all motorways, main and busy roads.
They also say that vehicle occupants who can stand safely at some distance from the road dont need to wear reflective jackets. They must not stand on or near the edge of the road, or loiter in and out of the car without a jacket. However, our advice is to take fluorescent jackets with you and always use them when necessary.
Following this latest addition to emergency equipment required for driving in some European countries, The AAs Motoring Trust has asked the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT), the umbrella organisation for motoring groups across Europe, to review the ad hoc imposition of new kit by governments, its impact on motorists from other countries, and the differing interpretation of the new laws by enforcement agencies.
Motorists travelling to some parts of Europe may have to spend 100-150 euros on emergency equipment required in countries other than their own. Many have had to pay on-the-spot fines to local police when apparently exempted by central authorities.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Reflective jackets must conform to at least European Standard BS EN471 Class 2. Class 1 covers coats and jackets, Class 2 sleeveless waistcoats and tabards, and Class 3 covers harnesses and armbands. Garments must carry the CE mark to show they meet EU requirements.
Countries with compulsory emergency equipment laws include: Greece (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle), Italy (warning triangle, reflective jacket), France (warning triangle, headlamp adjustment), Spain (warning triangle, spare bulbs, headlamp adjustment).
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