UN Regulations Nos. 58 and 73 contain exemptions which can be applied by an approval authority and we are concerned that a vehicle which is correctly approved using such an exemption cannot then be required to have an RUPD or sideguards. The UK seeks the views of GRSG on how the wording of the exemptions may be improved to ensure that as many vehicles as possible are fitted with RUPD and sideguards.

Proposal to delete the exclusion of “vehicles designed and constructed for special purposes where it is not possible, for practical reasons, to fit lateral protection devices” from the text. The UK submits that paragraphs 13 and 16 provide specific provisions that address this situation whereas the exclusion clause allows for a broader interpretation that unnecessarily limits the use of lateral protection devices.

Proposal to expand the scope of the regulation by deleting paragraph 1.2.2. which allows for the exclusion of “vehicles designed and constructed for special purposes where it is not possible, for practical reasons, to fit lateral protection devices” from the text. The UK submits that paragraphs 13 and 16 of the regulation provide specific provisions that address this situation whereas the exclusion clause allows for a broader interpretation that unnecessarily limits the use of lateral protection devices. Moreover, exemptions may still be accorded at the national level.

This proposal aims to make extendible trailers conform to all lateral protection requirements for trailers regardless of length, in
order to remove the safety risk to vulnerable road users when the trailer is in the fully extended position. This is achieved by the removal of section 13.1.1. and 16.1.1 that specify some exemptions to requirements when the trailer is extended.

Proposal aims to make extendible trailers conform to all lateral protection requirements for trailers regardless of length, in order to remove the safety risk to vulnerable road users when the trailer is in the fully extended position. This is achieved by the removal of section 13.1.1. and 16.1.1 that specify some exemptions to requirements when the trailer is extended.