The Heavy Transport Association welcomes the news that a UK Police Force is using the powers granted to them under the Police Reform Act (2002) to give conferred powers to Stop and Direct Traffic to private abnormal load escorters.  The step, by Avon and Somerset police in relation to abnormal load movements to Hinkley Point, will be the first time this has been done in the UK, in spite of the fact that the practice has been pretty standard across mainland Europe and elsewhere in the world for many years.

The HTA has lobbied for use of this existing 2002 legislation for several years and intends to work closely with Avon and Somerset Police and EDF to monitor the application of the powers, and learn any wider lessons in the application of this legislation as part of our ongoing Safer Abnormal Load Escorting project (SAbLE).

The powers of a constable to Stop and Direct Traffic for the Escorting of Abnormal Loads can only be given by Chief Constables under the Police Reform Act (2002) and is administered via the Community Safety & Accreditation (CSAS) scheme.  Employers have to be vetted and approved under the scheme as well as similar rigorous vetting as well as training/competence standards for those employed as 'accredited persons'.  Operators wishing to know more can visit the HTA website, info@hta.uk.net or get involved/support this initiative by becoming a member (annual membership starts from just £267 and applications can now be made online).

For details of the City and Guilds Stage 2 (Escort Driver) and Stage 3 (Escort Manager) qualifications developed by HTA and endorsed by industry contact a HTA Training Centre.