Flappy plastic on the rear of lorries

[martine]

You know the (often) bright yellow plastic 'signs' on the back or artics and the like...what are they?

[ROG]

got a pic

[TripleS]

You know the (often) bright yellow plastic 'signs' on the back or artics and the like...what are they?

Are they the ones that say "I hate Yorkie." ?

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[theyoungen]

I believe they're adverts for the maker of the tail-lift. I think they're flappy so that they hang vertically when the tail-lift is in use as well as upright.

All the best,

Tim

[martine]

:? got a pic

Best I could find is:
http://www.bidwellsselfdrive.co.uk/IMAGES/bidwells%20vans%20(raw)/short%20lorry.jpg
The black/yellow checkered ones on the back.

(don't know why my link...isn't)

[vannut]

Hi, Martin; I think if you take the [url]/[/url] out, the link will work. As to the function of the flappy bits, I've always thought they were there to warn other traffic when the tail lift was down, a bit like tying a rag to something overhanging at the back.

Cheers, Chris.

Yup. That's it. When the tail lift is down it's like a thin blade, often at eye height for a car driver. The dangly bits are there to mark the protrusion.

[martine]

Thanks guys - that makes sense!

[Gareth]

That's it. When the tail lift is down it's like a thin blade, often at eye height for a car driver. The dangly bits are there to mark the protrusion.

Reminds me, I once spotted a van with the tail lift down driving along the M3, (and with no flappy things). Scary that the car following immediately behind was fairly close ...

[Renny]

Yes they are warning flags to indicate the taillift is in use. They are required to comply with European Safety Directive covering the use of taillifts.

Oddly enough, British Manufacturers were initially going to install flashing lights linked to the platform being used, however, the rest of europe just fitted some bits of plastic that flap about when the platform is horizontal