Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 November 2005. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Motorway Repairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance on good practice he has issued to (a) Highways Agency staff and (b) motorway police on closing lanes when members of the public have to repair a puncture on the driver's side of a vehicle; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Highways Agency Traffic Officers are highly trained in many aspects of traffic management including closing lanes, if required, to allow drivers to deal with offside wheel changes.The guidance given to Traffic Officers is comprehensive, and covers the provision of personal safety advice to drivers, including leaving the vehicle and standing in a safe place, not attempting even simple repairs and not standing between the vehicle and other traffic. Where the motorist is a member of a recovery organisation, the Traffic Officer will make contact with that organisation to arrange for them to come and change the wheel. If the motorist is not in a recovery organisation, Traffic Officers will call one out, and the motorist will be charged for the service.For large goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles, the guidance covers the need to consider closing a lane. Traffic Officers are trained in implementing lane closures, and under the Traffic Management Act they have the power to direct traffic accordingly.The Agency has issued no advice to the police on this matter.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 27645; 439 c1229-30W;439 c1231-2W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Closures Motor vehicles Training Safety Safety measures Roads Repairs and maintenance Traffic officers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk