Transport written question – answered at on 5 June 2006.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances and upon whose authority Highways Agency vehicles use observation parking bays marked 'for police vehicles only' on motorways.
The Police are able to stop on any part of a motorway, including the observation platforms, by virtue of Regulation 16 of The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982. Regulation 16 allows a Police officer to stop where they do so in the exercise of their duty.
These Regulations were amended by The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 to give Highways Agency Traffic Officers the same ability to stop in the exercise of their duty as the Police.
The use of these observation platforms by Highways Agency Traffic Officers provides a visible reassurance that an official vehicle is available to assist and support road users, if needed, and allows Traffic Officers to park on the motorway, minimising fuel usage, while still maintaining an appropriate response capability in the event of an incident.
Yes5 people think so
No0 people think not
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