See and be seen when reversing in the dark

M Group Services specify new Labcraft underbody LED lighting system on all HGVs in their fleet

M GROUP Services Plant & Fleet Solutions, providers of specialist utility services, are specifying a new vehicle underbody lighting system that illuminates when reversing to maintain safety and ensure compliance with Regulation 23 and Regulation 48 – the European directives which specify the intensity and positioning of vehicle manoeuvring lights.

Named BM3 Banksman R23, the light is designed by Labcraft – a leader in low-voltage LED lighting for commercial vehicles – and takes its name from the European Reg 23, which stipulates that the light colour must be white, must not exceed an intensity of 500cd (candela) and should come under an intensity of 0.5cd in the field of view where the light must not be seen. In turn, Reg 23 forms a part of the ECE Regulation 48, which defines the specification and positioning of reversing and manoeuvring lights installed prior to vehicle registration.

‘This is all about safety,’ said Jeremy Harrison, executive director of M Group Services Plant & Fleet Solutions. ‘Many of our vehicles operate in confined spaces during the hours of darkness, so it makes perfect sense to fit a lighting system which ensures they can see and be seen at all times – especially when reversing. The Labcraft Banksman makes this possible and is now specified for all HGVs in our vehicle fleet.’

The Banksman is said to be the first manoeuvring light to be launched in Europe that allows OEMs and fleet operators to comply with Regulation 48, and to satisfy its three key criteria: the light must automatically switch on when the vehicle is put into reverse gear; it must switch off above 10km/h in forward gear; and it must not be visible on a plane 10m from the vehicle.

Nick Luscombe, managing director of Labcraft, explained: ‘The Banksman is a manoeuvring light which delivers bright white light to the sides of any vehicle where conventional reversing lights cannot cover. LEDs are fitted around the chassis to direct pure bright light downwards, thereby helping to reduce accidents and improve overall safety. Furthermore, repair costs and insurance premiums are likely to be reduced.’