Menu
20/08/2004
'Self-escorting' of abnormal loads could mean road jams: AA
Changes to the rules governing the movement of abnormal loads by road could lead to rush hour jams, according to the AA Motoring Trust.
The trust was reacting after the Highways Agency drafted a new code of practice for the "self-escorting" of abnormal loads and vehicles after police announced it would gradually give up escort duties on roads and motorways in England and Wales.
The Trust wants companies that will now escort vehicles to be fully accredited and trained to high standards. If they fail to keep up to scratch they should lose the right to escort, the trust said.
The AA has called for legislative changes to include powers to restrict the time of day the loads are moved – a feature apparently missing from the proposed guidelines.
Paul Watters, Head of Roads and Transport Policy for The AA Motoring Trust, said: “We are concerned that the proposed code does not include any time restrictions. With over 1.5 million abnormal loads on English and Welsh roads each year, motorists do not want to be stuck behind them in rush-hour jams. They will want these types of loads transported when the roads are relatively free of traffic.
“Some motorways can be reduced to a single lane in places when abnormal loads are being transported. If that is done during busy periods it could effectively shut the motorway by forcing the traffic to move as slowly as the load.”
The AA Motoring Trust said it accepted that the code will involve transferring some routine police traffic tasks, but effective management of those who take over from the police is "essential".
Motorists must be reassured that safety is paramount when escorts are handled by civilians rather than highly trained and visible traffic police, the trust said.
(gmcg)
The trust was reacting after the Highways Agency drafted a new code of practice for the "self-escorting" of abnormal loads and vehicles after police announced it would gradually give up escort duties on roads and motorways in England and Wales.
The Trust wants companies that will now escort vehicles to be fully accredited and trained to high standards. If they fail to keep up to scratch they should lose the right to escort, the trust said.
The AA has called for legislative changes to include powers to restrict the time of day the loads are moved – a feature apparently missing from the proposed guidelines.
Paul Watters, Head of Roads and Transport Policy for The AA Motoring Trust, said: “We are concerned that the proposed code does not include any time restrictions. With over 1.5 million abnormal loads on English and Welsh roads each year, motorists do not want to be stuck behind them in rush-hour jams. They will want these types of loads transported when the roads are relatively free of traffic.
“Some motorways can be reduced to a single lane in places when abnormal loads are being transported. If that is done during busy periods it could effectively shut the motorway by forcing the traffic to move as slowly as the load.”
The AA Motoring Trust said it accepted that the code will involve transferring some routine police traffic tasks, but effective management of those who take over from the police is "essential".
Motorists must be reassured that safety is paramount when escorts are handled by civilians rather than highly trained and visible traffic police, the trust said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2015
Windsor Castle Staff Balloted Over Strike Action
Staff at Windsor Castle are being balloted over potential industrial action in a dispute over "unpaid extra duties".
Windsor Castle Staff Balloted Over Strike Action
Staff at Windsor Castle are being balloted over potential industrial action in a dispute over "unpaid extra duties".
03 February 2015
MPs To Hold Debate On Mitochondrial Donation
MPs will debate a motion to approve the draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 in the House of Commons today, 3 February.
MPs To Hold Debate On Mitochondrial Donation
MPs will debate a motion to approve the draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 in the House of Commons today, 3 February.
10 July 2014
Staff Member At Mental Health Unit Killed In Stabbing
A man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a staff member at a mental health hospital died in a stabbing. The female victim, who has not yet been named, is understood to have been attacked at the inpatient unit of Wotton Lawn Hospital. According to reports the staff member was attacked at about 07:30 on Wednesday morning.
Staff Member At Mental Health Unit Killed In Stabbing
A man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a staff member at a mental health hospital died in a stabbing. The female victim, who has not yet been named, is understood to have been attacked at the inpatient unit of Wotton Lawn Hospital. According to reports the staff member was attacked at about 07:30 on Wednesday morning.
20 April 2011
PM And Health Secretary 'Listen On NHS Accountability'
Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have met with representatives from the Foundation Trust Network at Downing Street as part of the listening exercise on NHS modernisation. One of the key themes of the discussion was how to improve accountability within the NHS.
PM And Health Secretary 'Listen On NHS Accountability'
Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have met with representatives from the Foundation Trust Network at Downing Street as part of the listening exercise on NHS modernisation. One of the key themes of the discussion was how to improve accountability within the NHS.
15 January 2010
Tories Plan 'Immediate Cuts'
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has said a Tory government would implement spending cuts immediately after entering Downing Street. He said a Conservative election win would result in public expenditure reductions in areas such as advertising and family tax credits. People earning over £50,000 would be affected by the move.
Tories Plan 'Immediate Cuts'
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has said a Tory government would implement spending cuts immediately after entering Downing Street. He said a Conservative election win would result in public expenditure reductions in areas such as advertising and family tax credits. People earning over £50,000 would be affected by the move.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
