Had a similar problem with rear lights on my transit van. It was due to bad earthing, probably as a result of corrosion/oxidisation. I solved this problem by establishing that all of the bulbs in the rear lighting cluster use the broadest metal pathway of the unit as their earth path, (this is the broadest and most central strip of metal). I then bridged this metal strip to the main rear light earthing point by holding a piece of wire between them (there is one earthing point for each lighting cluster, it is located behind the lighting cluster and is a metal bolt which secures one or two wires to the chassis/body of the van.) On finding this solved the problem I then drilled a small hole in the metal strip of the lighting cluster and used a nut and bolt to secure a piece of wire between this and the main earthing point. Problem solved and passed my MOT with flying colours - also, dont forget to clean any corrosion/oxidisation with emery paper as you go. Good Luck
Edwin
February 2013