FAQs
Find all the answers and expert insights you need from PVL
FAQs about emergency vehicle markings
Emergency Service Vehicle (ESV) livery consists of high-visibility graphics applied to police, fire, ambulance fleets and other specialised/support units to ensure maximum visibility and instant recognition on the roads. By using a combination of fluorescent and retroreflective materials, these markings enhance road safety, ensuring vehicles are clearly seen by the public both day and night.
These vehicles rely on maximum visibility to save lives and protect the public. It is important that they are always recognised and instantly, regardless of weather conditions and for a range of situations out on the roads.
While primarily used to identify specific vehicle types, reflective markings aren’t just for ESV; they are also vital for highway workers, HGVs and anyone operating in low-visibility areas. However, it is important to note that specific colours and patterns are often legally restricted to certain vehicle types.
Learn more about regulations when it comes to vehicle safety in the UK.
Any retroreflective or reflective materials because they reflect light back towards drivers, improving visibility both during the day and at night. Higher performance materials reflect more light back from an approaching vehicle.
At PVL, we are approved manufacturers of reflective materials:
- 3M Diamond Grade™
- Nikkalite Crystal Grade™
- ORAFOL
- Avery Dennison Graphics
We maintain an extensive database of templates for all major makes and models.
If your vehicle is a brand-new release or a rare configuration, don’t worry, we can create the data. Our team of expert fitters can custom-template your vehicle to ensure an Exact-Fit™ PVL kit.
Speak to our team to learn more about our templating process.
Email: Sales@pvluk.com
Phone: 01444 258980
FAQs about chapter 8
Chapter 8 refers to a set of regulations set by the UK Departments for Transport regarding the use of high-visibility markings on vehicles parked or operating on roads.
The rear chevron design aims to enhance conspicuity and improve safety for vehicle and road users
See our easy guide on the Chapter 8 blog for more information on Chapter 8.
Any vehicle stopping on roads for works or inspection purposes should be compliant with the Chapter 8. In England and Northern Ireland, it is recommended; however, in Scotland and Wales, it is mandatory.
The best material for your rear chevron kit depends on the type of roads you’ll be driving on.
For high-speed roads (over 40mph) like highways and motorways, we recommend our high-performance prismatic kits. It’s also durable and weather-resistant, as well as having the highest visibility ensuring long-lasting performance.
For lower speeds or occasional use, you might consider engineering-grade materials that offer a more affordable option. However, keep in mind that their reflectivity is lower compared to the prismatic kits.
Selecting the right kit depends on a few key factors: your vehicle’s make, model, and height, the amount of rear coverage required, and the specific kit type (such as Flooded or Magnetic).
You will also need to choose the appropriate material grade based on the types of roads your vehicle will be operating on.
Check out our ‘Guide to Chapter 8 Kits’ to ensure you get the perfect, compliant kit for your vehicle.
FAQs about Airside Livery
While CAP 642 provides the general framework for Airside Safety Management, the specific technical standards for airside vehicle livery can be found in Operational Safety Instruction OSI/008 published by Heathrow Airport
These standards are widely considered to become the benchmark protocol across all major UK airports.
Key highlights of OSI/008 include:
- Strict adherence to material grades based on the specific airfield zones a vehicle operates in.
- Standard Vehicle Kit: To maintain 360-degree visibility, vehicles must be equipped with a complete “conspicuity package” requiring specific markings on the Sides, Rear, and Front.
- Enhanced visibility recommendations to mitigate risks during low-visibility operations.
To help navigate this, we have created an Easy Guide to Airside Livery based on the new OSI/008 standards.
[Click here to view/download our Easy Guide to Airside Livery]
Due to the different and complex designs of GSE vehicles it can be challenging. What is required:
- Rear = at least 4 corners must be marked with fluorescent red
- Sides = at least 4 corners must be marked fluorescent yellow-green
For more information on GSE and other airside vehicles, contact our team. We can apply our vehicle knowledge to ensure you have the exact compliance solutions you need.
Call: 01444 258980
Email: sales@pvluk.com
Yes! Our installers can come on site to kit your kits where we can minimise your fleet’s downtime. Or you can bring your vehicle to our HQ where we can also install your kit.
To ensure your fleet meets both your brand standards and safety laws, you need a specialist partner.
PVL provides an end-to-end service for airside livery, matching your brand guidelines with high-grade retroreflective materials. From design to nationwide installation, we manage the entire process to guarantee your fleet remains legally compliant without compromising your brand’s visual integrity.
FAQs about Vehicle Wrapping
Wrap will not damage your vehicle’s paint. Damage usually only occurs if:
- The vehicle has pre-existing, poor-quality paint.
- If the previous wrap was left too long or removed incorrectly.
- There was a low-grade vinyl that was previously used on a vehicle.
- The recent paint wasn’t fully cured before wrapping.
This can vary depending on the coverage on the vehicle and the complexity on the vehicle as their can be many curves and details to consider. On average it can take 1-5 days.
Yes it can – When done correctly! The process requires heating the wrap to soften the adhesive and peeling it off.
While it may sound straightforward, we strongly recommend professional removal by our PVL technicians to ensure the wrap is taken off safely without damaging the vehicle’s original paintwork.
Full Wrap – Covers every aspect of the vehicle from top to bottom, from bonnet, sides, rear, roof … everything! Giving you maximum visibility out on the roads.
Part Wrap – Covering a specific part of the vehicle you wish to have the graphics on. Great for fleets and brand consistency while staying within budget.
This can vary, as there is a range of materials you can choose from, your vehicle size, the design, and the fitting time need to be considered.
Every project is unique, which is why we provide tailored quotes based on the requirements.
If you have an idea and you want to find out how much it will cost you, get in contact with our team, and we can guide you on bringing your wrap to life.
Call: 01444 258980
Email: sales@pvluk.com
Wrapping will cost less than a paint job, and it will give you more flexibility on what you put on your vehicle. From personal upgrades to rebranding changes, wrapping is endless.
Paint can cost more than wrapping, and it is more permanent, lasting the lifetime of the car. Meaning that you shouldn’t worry about redoing it for many years.
But paint doesn’t stop you from having a wrap applied to your vehicle. Once the paint has fully cured, you can wrap it and do whatever you want.