Flaps on lorries' tail lifts

[blackcat77]

Please can someone tell me what the use of the two fabric (canvas?) flaps are that you see on the back of lorries' tail lifts - I don't know now whether or not they are seen on other lorries or vans. My OH and I were driving up the A3 yesterday following a lorry with these things on and neither of us knew what they were for! Thanks.

[hc4361]

It is for safety. When the lorry is parked up with the tail lift down it could be very difficult for oncoming traffic to see it. The flaps act like warning flags, making the lift very obvious when it is down.

[sddsddean]

Some also have a couple of small flashing lights built into the edge of the tail lift for the same reason.

[blackcat77]

Thank you both.