Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress his Department has made on its trial on the use of red flashing lights by recovery operators; what date the outcome of that trial will be published; and if he will make a statement.

The Department has finalised its work specification for the trials programme and will shortly seek tenders for the research on a competitive basis. It is anticipated the programme will include three elements: real-world scenario testing in a safe off-road environment; assessments of the effects of a proliferation of warning lamps on road user reactions and safety, and to develop guidance for road recovery operators on the use of lighting functions currently permitted by regulation.

The department anticipates the research to be 6-9 months in duration once contracted. A report of the trials and final guidance document will be published upon completion.