Escortingtechniques, Is this the way to do it?

[NICK]

Hello Roadpilot.

I take your point, however that particular bit wasn't what was worrying me.

Even if your (I think correct) interpretation of the advice is followed, it still means that the escort vehicle has to effectively stop or slow well down in live lane one and /or one and two to allow the (slow) moving load to pass it on the inside.

The point I'm trying to make is, if you consider the speed of traffic already on the motorway, also the speed of the abload, and the length of access from the sliproad, then unless it's a rare long slip access, the escort only has a matter of say 50 yards to enter live lane 1, slow the traffic down to say, 20 mph, and allow the abload to keep moving, pass on the left and enter live lane 1.

Most escorts on most m/way slips would simply run out road before they could impliment that technique safely.

In my view, for what it's worth, given the legal tools at our disposal, (or lack of them), that is potentially alot to ask of an escort. It's also an accident waiting to happen.

In the real world, most escort vans just do not have the "visual authority" at this time to pull off this manoeuvre safely. A fully marked police traffic car with blue lights would stand a far better chance. .....in fact, I'd bet that this technique was written by police, for police.

I subscribe to the argument that it is presently safer for all concerned for the escort to enter live lane 1 prior to the abload yet from behind it, cutting across the chevrons (and risking tyres). That way, the traffic on the m/way sees the abload and escort, and more readily and speedily reacts to make room. Let the dog see the rabbit, so to speak.

To adhere to the new code, we would effectively be introducing a rolling road block, which is a form of traffic direction, without flashing blue or red lights. In fact, without any of the extra visual or legal protection allowed to other agencies.

We would also be increasing the chances of a rear-end smash by what? 800%?

The powers that be, appear not to want to allow us the use of existing legislation, to direct traffic, nor do they wish us to have or use red flashing lights for use at such times when we are imposing this "rolling road block" that they have effectively suggested.

It may put the cat amongst the pigeons, but if the HA, DfT, ACPO SCPOA, HTA, ALEN, RHA etc etc can't sort this safely, after all this time, then perhaps WE should be knocking on the door of the HSE.

They are an agency to be "respected", and might just get the ball rolling in the right direction, though I'm fairly sure that we wouldn't like everything they had to say. (UKPC, you're right).

At the end of the day, I just want to see a workable format, that will allow us to work safely, with everyone else concerned.

[roadpilots]

Hi Nick

I have a feeling that we may actually be in complete agreement! It may be just a question of symantics.... and the guidleines being badly written.

Perhaps if I describe my own interpretation of the guidelines (as well as what I believe is safe method) in my own words?:-

1) Escort positions itself behind Abload when travelling down on-slip to Motorway/Dual carriageway
2) Abload positions itself in left lane of on-slip, Escort positions itself in right lane of on-slip (behind abload) - this blocks both on-slip lanes to avoid other merging traffic becoming a problem as well.
3) Escort gets into live Lane 1 at earliest opportunity using what is effectivlet the 'shortest' route down the on-slip - ie right lane of on-slip (across chevrons if necessary - pausing just before entering live Lane 1 usually does the trick to warn motorway/dual carriageway traffic)
4) Abload uses ALL of on-slip (te longer/left lane) so that it enters live Lane 1 AFTER Escort vehicle (2-way comms from Escort to advise Lane 1 is secure - ie no traffic between Escort and Abload in lane 1).
5) If Lane 2 is required, the Escort again gets into live lane 2 at earliest opportunity with Abload moving into lane 2 once the lane is 'secure'.

I THINK the problem has arrise because the guidelines read "the escort vehicle should enter the motorway in front of the load', when in-fact (to me) it should porbably read "the escort vehicle should enter the motorway BEFORE the load" (albeit actually BEHIND it)? What do you/everyone think?

If you agree - my theory is that it is not suprising that these guidelines are ambiguous. I have spoken to Chris Cottel at the HA (head of the Abload section to my knowledge); a very nice guy and very helpful/happy to discuss escoring, but when I asked him if he had ever been out on an escort job he said he hadn't and (worse); after I offered him to ride as a passenfger with me on a job, he said he had too great a workload of projects to be able to consider it. There is an old management 'proverb' - "Management by Walking About" - how does the HA expect to be in touch with the realities of the industry if they have absolutley no practical experience of the realities..?

Ian
RoadPilots/Cardiff

[NICK]

Ian

Yes, we are indeed in agreement.

It's somewhat scary that this document has been published by the HA as a training guide, and has been endorsed by the DoT and ACPO.

At school, I remember an english teacher that almost lived to quote the error in the badly written phrase " the piano was sold to the lady with carved legs".

Unfortunately this error could see an escort paying with his licence or worse still, his life.

Anyway, onwards and upwards, as they say. I'm sure that SOMEONE WILL RETRACT, REWRITE, and quietly republish it HINT HINT.

I have to say that I have always found Chris Cottell to be most knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Unfortunately, so many people, with so many differing views have extended such a vast input into this whole topic, over such a long time-scale, that I can understand how confusion and misunderstanding can easily have eventually taken place.

If only the people that need to "grasp the metal" would do so, instead of treading water, and playing politics, then we may get somewhere. They know who they are....