powers? what powers?

[Race Track]

hmm, strange, we got despatched to a vehicle travelling the wrong way not long since on nights

May be because your RCC doesn't read the change to procedures because they think procedures are for on road staff. If there is a next time, you might want to "update them".

[dahonis]

just to add my two-penneth in, we were sat listening to one crew having a go at the RCC about a car going the wrong way, they were two junctions away and wanted to put a block on at night !!!!

we were not too far behind and sat up on an obs post, too far to get off the next junction.....if we do get any more powers in the future, I want to be alive to use them...a few to many mavericks sometimes and a problem when you could get drawn in

[falkor]

Highways Agency to get extra powers
30 November 2007

• Officials will get same powers as police
• Obstructions will be removed from motorways
• Plans open for consultation for 12 weeks

Highways Agency officials could be given the same powers as police officers to remove vehicles acusing an obstruction or posing a safety hazard.

The plan, which is out for public consultation, is specifically aimed at clearing obstructions from motorways and A-roads.

Derek Turner, director of traffic operations at the Highways Agency, said: 'These powers, which would apply at all but the most serious police-led incidents, are an extension of the work already being done around the clock to improve safety.'

The consultation period is open for 12 weeks, until February 15, 2008.

Anyone interested in making a comment should contact the Highways Agency via its website.

[Race Track]

Highways Agency to get extra powers

Public Consultation Website

[Off Network]

Training needs identified. if only to make sure these additional powers are used consistantly across the country.

ON

[Nighthawk]

We'll see!

[Race Track]

Doubtfully. Can see the, "Our OM told us we can do this. Although it departs from National guidance and regulations, it suits us better because we have not lights on our motorway and it has a slight left-hand bend" story appearing

[Biffo]

Doubtfully. Can see the, "Our OM told us we can do this. Although it departs from National guidance and regulations, it suits us better because we have not lights on our motorway and it has a slight left-hand bend" story appearing

That's what worries me!
I've had a patrol ask for duty garage for a vehicle, but I refused to put it through as:
They'd not got to scene (10 mins away) a police patrol was already on scene (our patrol was informed of this) and once they'd assisted in moving it from live lane, it waited for "normal" recovery just like anyone else.

Another vehicle was actually 9/10th's on the grass verge it was so far over, OK it was unlit, but there was at least a good hour before it was starting to go dark, yet the patrol insisted on it being duty garaged. lights & cones could have been left.
Proceedures need to be examined and re-broadcasted

[Biffo]

Also, ref the "oncoming vehicle" part of this thread.
Two ajoining police forces asked us to attend the same one recently (1 force being the same that asks us to do "tail-end Charlie") they were both politely but firmly told "No, we don't attend these, but we'll set the neccessary signals and tell our guys to get out of the way"
"Oh!..... right!....... yeh...... err...... OK then, we'll deal" was the answer.
"Signals will be set for 20's, let us know when it's clear, thank you"

[slabber]

Also, ref the "oncoming vehicle" part of this thread.
Two ajoining police forces asked us to attend the same one recently (1 force being the same that asks us to do "tail-end Charlie") they were both politely but firmly told "No, we don't attend these, but we'll set the neccessary signals and tell our guys to get out of the way"
"Oh!..... right!....... yeh...... err...... OK then, we'll deal" was the answer.
"Signals will be set for 20's, let us know when it's clear, thank you"

Is that the "old dear" who decided that she liked the scenic route north on the southbound carriageway

[TheWanderer]

Well, we'll probably never see these powers once all the serving traffic police start posting on the consultation site.

[Off Network]

I think most forces will be only too glad to pass this over to us.

[Flash]

There were times when it was very frustrating when a vehicle was abandoned. One Police Officer whould say they need a car clearing immediately from a particular spot.......the next day a different Officer would say that it was fine. The car would then be left for days with our crews being briefed to update the RCC each shift.

I think it will be good thing if its left to HATOs to have cars cleared. I really dont think many Police Officers will be too bothered, again its freeing up their time to fight crime!........isnt it?

[Biffo]

One Police Officer whould say they need a car clearing immediately from a particular spot.......the next day a different Officer would say that it was fine. The car would then be left for days with our crews being briefed to update the RCC each shift.

I think it will be good thing if its left to HATOs to have cars cleared. I really dont think many Police Officers will be too bothered, again its freeing up their time to fight crime!........isnt it?

that was similar with different police forces, one said away if not cleared within 30 mins, other didn't give a monkeys if it was there all week!

The HA proceedures (and I can't actually qoute, but it's as near as dammed) say 2 hour rule applies, if driver with vehicle or not, immediate duty garage only when...............

In a dangerous position, and cannot be moved.
Unlit during darkness.
Damaged in RTC so as to distract other drivers, or would cause them to call RTC in again if left.

But! updates have since said.....................

HGV's in normal b/down situations.
Due to the nature of breakdowns with HGV's, and that recovery might have to travel some distance at 56mph, then some leniency to be given if their recovery will arive in similar time to duty garage (45 mins allowed)

also. Unlit vehicles.
Now TO's can deploy lights and cones behind BDV, and collect later, if it goes over the 2 hours, then it falls into that particular box.

I believe, ( & hope!) that any TO calling for duty garage (Hato powers!) will need to supply their collar number for the request, this can then be tracked and audited.
(sorry if I sound to be negative on this, but I've seen some very iffy duty garage calls, both from on-road, and in the RCC)

[Grim_Reaper]

You are quite correct Biffo. There are some TO`s and they are in a minority but they are there, who jump at the chance to "exercise" their powers. I`m a motorist as are we all, and I always look at it from the motorists point of view. They don`t wantto be there any more than we do, so I try to give them a chance (Within reason). I have seen TO`s roll up at an unattended vehicle and immediately come walking back to me saying, "This will be duty garage". I`ve responded by asking them if they have thought that the motorist may have walked down the H/S looking for an ERT or other assistance. I have also had a TO left with egg on his face when he asked for duty garage, only for the driver to appear with a gallon of fuel, hop in, start their car and go. Leaving the said TO to ask for duty garage to be cancelled.
The motto is.. Don`t jump in like a little Hitler, use a little patience, and a bit of common sense.