'Get broken-down vehicles off M-way'
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Vehicle recovery operators should be forced to get brokendown vehicles off motorways as quickly as possible, rather than risking dangerous repairs and putting lives at risk, says trade body Vehicle Recovery Link.
In the past three months three rescue staff and a motorist have been killed during recoveries. Figures from the Roadside Safety Group show that in 1996 there was one death on the hard shoulder every 28 days.
VRL director Phil Renno says letting patrol staff decide on whether to move or repair vehicles puts them in an impossible position. If a slide-bed trucks is used to load the vehicle the recovery can often be completed in five minutes, he adds.
The Association of Chief Police Officers says its members are concerned at the amount of time being taken to remove disabled vehicles.
However, response to the campaign has been mixed. Green Flag says it already advises operators attending motorway emergencies to use towing vehicles to get stricken cars off motorway hard shoulders as quickly as possible.
Following the recent deaths of AA and RAC personnel, the AA Foundation for Road Safety is examining working practices on the hard shoulder. A review of its patrol staff training has also just begun.
The AA is fitting high-visibility reflective chevrons to its patrol vehicles to minimise the risks of attending emergencies on motorway hard shoulders.