As operators begin to venture abroad again following the easing of restrictions and the increase in demand, operators are reminded that any coach visiting or passing through France must comply with the law introduced in 2021 to display blind spots (‘angles mort’) warning stickers on the side and rear of the vehicle.
RHA Coach’s Andy Warrender commented: “The requirement for these has been with us for a while now but whilst freight trips have been operating into Europe in much greater volumes in the last couple of years, it’s only in recent weeks that there’s been much passenger traffic. We’ve seen an increase in sales of the stickers through our shop to PSV operators, but observing coaches heading across the channel a few weeks ago, there were still significant numbers without them. It is a legal requirement and we urge members to ensure they know what’s required before the venture into France.”
The signs can be in the form of a sticker or removable magnetic plate, and must be fitted within the specified areas near the front on each side and at the rear. The signs must measure 17cm x 25cm and be between 0.9m and 1.5m from the ground, or as close as possible, and within the front metre on the side of the vehicle where possible without covering glass surfaces. Signs must also show the correct vehicle type – I.e. coaches must use a sign with a picture of a coach – and are obligatory for coaches, HGVs and motorhomes over 3.5t.
