Self Escorting Abnormal Loads and Abnormal Vehicles - RoSPA

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Response to the Highways Agency Consultation Paper “Proposed Code of Practice Self-Escorting of Abnormal Loads and Abnormal Vehicles” April 2004 “Proposed Code of Practice: Self-Escorting of Abnormal Loads and Abnormal Vehicles” This is the response of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to the Highways Agency’s consultation paper. RoSPA welcomes the invitation to comment, and our response has been prepared following consultation with RoSPA’s National Road Safety Committee. GENERAL COMMENTS RoSPA welcomes the introduction of a code of practice for the self-escorting of abnormal loads and abnormal vehicles, although we feel that the proposed Code needs to be strengthened. We believe that it was right to retain the legal duties on hauliers to notify the Police and Highways Authorities before moving an abnormal load or vehicle. It is important that Police time that is no longer need for escorting wide loads and abnormal vehicles is re-allocated to other roads policing duties to ensure that these changes do not lead to a lower police profile on our roads. RoSPA is surprised that the Code of Practice does not include information on how these new escort methods will be advertised to the motoring public. The escort vehicles and escort personnel are new concepts. The motoring public need to be made aware that these vehicles will be on the road, their legal status, the duties and responsibilities of the personnel in charge of them and how they should behave around these wide loads and abnormal vehicles. As a separate matter, it would be useful to be able to identify accidents and casualties involving abnormal vehicles and abnormal loads separately from those involving normal HGVs. This could inform the development of future guidance. SPECIFIC COMMENTS 1 Introduction RoSPA Response The Code of Practice provides voluntary practical guidelines which can be adapted “in appropriate circumstances”. There should be a mechanism to ensure that the Code is regularly reviewed so that it can be amended in the light of experience and practice. The greater flexibility allowed by the system should cause less inconvenience to the motoring public, but they need to be made aware that this new system will be coming into operation and its implications. The Code of Practice provides for standardised practice across Scotland, England and Wales. However, the lack of legal status of the Accredited Level 2 escort person in Scotland may cause problems when loads and vehicles are moving between England and Wales. RoSPA has concerns that this issue does not appear to have been addressed in the Code of Practice. 1
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Response to the Highways Agency Consultation Paper “Proposed Code of Practice Self-Escorting of Abnormal Loads and Abnormal Vehicles” April 2004 2 Self Certification RoSPA Response The Code of Practice requires hauliers and sub contractors to ensure that their staff and vehicles comply with the code of practice and that staff can carry out their duties competently in accordance with road traffic and health and safety legislation. The Police have the power to ask to see a self-certificate or other evidence of compliance with the Code of Practice. RoSPA would recommend that these checks be made on a regular basis to ensure that the Code of Practice is being correctly followed. Failure to comply with road traffic and health and safety legislation could have major consequences. 3 Vehicle Requirements RoSPA Response The Code of Practice states that the primary role of any escort vehicle is to alert other road users to the presence of an abnormal load or vehicle. To be successful in this role, the public must be aware of what the vehicle is and this can only be achieved by advertising their existence and appearance. This necessity is not covered in the Code of Practice. Where they are employed, an accredited Level 2 person has a role in controlling and directing traffic. The motoring public need to be made aware of this role and the authority that such staff have to direct traffic. They are used to being directed by police officers or traffic wardens, but not Level 2 persons. The vehicle specifications on size and type, colour, exterior lights, markings and identification, equipment and information to be carried in Escort Vehicles appear to be comprehensive. RoSPA’s one reservation is in the area of conspicuity where the uniform colours of white, yellow, orange or silver are recommended rather than a ‘battenburg’ effect which research has shown to be best for conspicuity. However, the comprehensive chevron markings on the rear and to the side of the vehicle should have a similar effect. 2
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Self Escorting Abnormal Loads and Abnormal Vehicles - RoSPA

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