Light Arrow's

[Jules]

I have always been interested to know whether it is legal for a Abload Van to have a mini light arrow like the one below. And also whether it would be useful for advance warning when the abload vehicle is travelling at slow speeds to tell everyone to move into the other lane.


Any Ideas?

[AbLoad]

I know that they are commonly used in other parts of Europe and have seen many pictures of them fitted on vans. They are mounted on a hydralic board that they can raise and lower (obviously to save all that fuel from the drag when they aren't escorting).

Only other option is a simple LED Display like the Police use either with an arrow or a message like "Change Lane --->"

[Rob]

http://www.faseroptik-henning.de/

I still think this is the best way of escorting ab loads.

Rob.

[worx]

The kit sure is good ... even LED "arrow sticks"

The problem arises with the legalities and insurance of directing traffic in a "live" lane

By using this kit you are actually directing moving traffic. At present this can only be done by the Police (and possibly HA). If you were to direct moving traffic and there was an accident as a result ..... you would be liable.

This is why you don't see many people using LED arrow sticks (the cheapest option)

[Rob]

The link that I put on was a link to the manufactures of BF-3 equipment. It is unique to Austria and Germany and is onley found on escort vehicles. In order to have one you need a licence. Their are two types of licence, BF-2 & BF-3. If you hold a BF-2 then your vehicle only operates with rotating beacons, and you can only escort vehicles up to a certain dimension. Anything bigger needs a BF-3 escort vehicle by law.
The signs displayed on the BF-3 board are classified as a legal road sign, meaning if a car overtakes when the BF-3 board is displaying a no overtaking sign, the overtaking vehicle is commiting an offence and can be prosocuted by the Polizi (german police).
The escort drivers of course have authority to stop and direct traffic, this is all part of the BF-3 licence. Pics

It would be a very good idear if the UK could adopt something similar. Maybe, like germany a two-teir system. If you hold a catorgry A licence for example you have limited authority to stop and direct traffic and can only carry amber beacons, this is ideal for escorting smaller abloads like caravans ect. A catogory B licence gives you authority to temporly stop and direct traffic and also carry a similar idear to the german BF-3 device. At least when people see it they know catogoritly that theirs a big load up ahead. Of course to get something similar would mean a change in law and legislation, something unfortunaly is not likely to happen.

Rob

[AbLoad]

Yes it certainly sounds like a good system - not only would it help those who escort, but because of the need to get a proper license (not just abide by a legislation if you can call it that) it would stamp out the rouge escorters.

[ukpc]

www.roadtraffic-technology.com/contractors/safety/powerflare/

powerflares seen these think thay could be used as beacons aswell.....

[AbLoad]

LED bars and beacons have come down in price quite a bit recently.

Take the following, with Gen3 Ultra Bright LED's inside a 48" VA Evolution lightbar for £600! Most bars on the market are well over the £1000 mark or at least they were 6 months to a year ago.

In my local area they've started installing them on Ambulances, and boy does it make a huge difference to the rotators and even the strobes!

[mally]

something definatly needs sorting, as some of the loads we escort require you to get out to assist,according to manchester,derby,notts & south yorkshire police you are legaly abandoning your vehicle on a public highway,

[ukpc]

something definatly needs sorting, as some of the loads we escort require you to get out to assist,according to manchester,derby,notts & south yorkshire police you are legaly abandoning your vehicle on a public highway.....this a quote by MALLY.............surerly it should read " something definatly needs sorting, as some of the loads I WATCH BEING ESCORTED ! !

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