Attendance at Incidents on the Roads Network Standard Operating Procedure Notice: This document has been made available through the Police Service of Scotland Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. It should not be utilised as guidance or instruction by any police officer or employee as it may have been redacted due to legal exemptions. Owning Department Version Number Road Policing 3.00 Date Published 27/09/2016 Version 3.00
Compliance Record Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EqHRIA): Date Completed / Reviewed: Information Management Compliant: Health and Safety Compliant: Publication Scheme Compliant: 12/09/2016 Yes Yes Yes Version Control Table Version History of Amendments Approval Date 1.00 Initial Approved Version 21/03/2013 2.00 Removal of geographic differences to standardise procedures and content incorporated from separate 17/06/2014 documents 3.00 SOP transferred onto new template aligned to corporate identity. No change to content 27/09/2016 Version 3.00 2
Contents 1. Purpose 2. Police Attendance 2.1 Incidents on Motorways and Dual Carriageways 2.2 Hazard Warning Lights / Emergency Telephones 2.3 Abandoned Vehicles on Motorways 2.4 Winter Maintenance 2.5 Pedestrians on Motorways 3. Positioning of Police Vehicles/Cones/Signs 4. Clothing 5. Patrolling in the Snow 6. Closure of Snow Gates on the A9 7. Closure of Snow Gates on the M74 Appendices Appendix A List of Associated Reference Documents Version 3.00 3
1. Purpose 1.1 The Police Service of Scotland has a duty to protect as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of staff who are required to attend incidents on the road network and others affected by their actions. This document outlines the procedures to be adopted by Police Officers attending such incidents 1.2 For further guidance refer to the Policing Scotland s Roads Manual 2. Police Attendance at Incidents on the Road Network 2.1 When attending incidents on the road network consideration must be given at an early stage as to the most suitable response. This should include how many and what type of police units should attend. 2.2 Incidents on Motorways and Dual Carriageways 2.2.1 When information is received of an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway (Fast Road Network) a Road Policing (RP) vehicle will be directed to attend. Where no RP resources are available and the incident requires an immediate response then local policing vehicles may be dispatched. Full use of the appropriate emergency vehicle lights will be made and reflective clothing will be worn at all times. Officers are reminded of the importance of carrying out a dynamic risk assessment when dealing with these type of incidents (refer to The Motorway Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 for further guidance). 2.2.2 The Area Control Room (ACR) will continue to identify a Road Policing (RP) vehicle to attend any incidents on our Fast Road network, but there will be occasions when for operational reasons this is impracticable, and local divisional officers will be first to attend such incidents. In these circumstances every effort should be made to ensure two marked divisional cars attend on each occasion. This will allow for the placement of the necessary warning signs/cones at the locus, and the positioning of both police vehicles to provide locus protection and give early warning of any impending obstruction or lane closure to approaching traffic. 2.2.3 Additionally, the following list should be considered as a guide to operational officers on the common sense practicalities when attending incidents on Fast Roads. It should be emphasised this list is not exhaustive: Contact the ACR and request the assistance of an RP car on arrival High visibility jackets must be worn at all times One officer should act as a spotter monitoring approaching traffic to warn of any unforeseen dangers Version 3.00 4
All members of the public should be directed onto the verge and be dealt with off the carriageway Police Vehicles should be parked at a slight angle at a safe distance behind the incident, with all emergency lights activated (refer to the manual on Policing Scotland's Roads for further information and guidance in relation to positioning vehicles, signage and coning) Don t walk between vehicles, and where possible face oncoming traffic. 2.2.4 Clearly it is imperative that all marked divisional vehicles are fully equipped with the agreed level of 'police slow' signs and cones, and that vehicle emergency light bars are fully functional. Local supervisors must therefore ensure that weekly vehicle checks are conducted in accordance with the Divisional Audit Toolkit, and that the necessary steps are taken to ensure missing equipment is replenished and any emergency lighting defects are repaired immediately. Marked Divisional cars should carry a minimum of 6 cones and 4 accident signs. 2.2.5 Refer to the Policing Scotland s Roads Manual for further guidance on how to position police vehicles at a scene. 2.3 Hazard Warning Lights / Emergency Telephones 2.3.1 Hazard warning lights and emergency roadside telephones are situated at approximate 1 mile intervals along the motorway network. These are linked directly to the Traffic Scotland Control Room who monitor, control and can activate the lights. 2.4 Abandoned Vehicles on Motorways 2.4.1 No vehicle will, unless special circumstances apply and with the knowledge of the attending Road Policing officer, be allowed to remain on a motorway in excess of 30 minutes. 2.4.2 Any information regarding abandoned vehicles must immediately be communicated to the control room who will make all reasonable efforts to contact the owner of the vehicle and have it removed. Where these reasonable attempts have failed and vehicles have not been removed within the specified time period they will be removed by the Vehicle Recovery Scheme with the owner liable for any charges incurred for removal and storage. 2.5 Winter Maintenance 2.5.1 Winter maintenance of the motorways and trunk roads is the responsibility of the operating company. All requests for gritting/snow clearance will be directed through ACRs. 2.5.2 Gritting and snow clearance is available 24 hours on motorways and trunk roads only. Version 3.00 5
2.5.3 Full details of all procedures are available at the relevant ACR. 2.6 Pedestrians on Motorways 2.6.1 Motorways are designed solely for vehicles and do not facilitate pedestrian access. A pedestrian on the motorway is vulnerable, may contravene the motorway regulations and should be removed as soon as possible. 2.6.2 The safety of pedestrians, police officers, police staff and other road users is paramount. Consideration should be given to the most appropriate, and safe, method of directing a person away from the motorway and this may involve transporting the person to the next junction or service area. 2.6.3 Where a pedestrian is found on a motorway, officers should give consideration to the following: The person is committing an offence Full particulars should be noted and checks, where practicable, should be carried out with the Police National Computer / Criminal History System (PNC/CHS). Where circumstances warrant it, powers of arrest should be invoked A child or young person on the motorway may be in need of care and protection and consideration should be given to removing them to a place of safety (refer to Child Protection SOP for further guidance) 2.6.4 In the event of a person running away from an officer on the motorway, careful consideration should be given to an officer s actions. A dynamic risk assessment of all the circumstances and factors involved must be carried out before deciding whether to pursue, provide cover using the police vehicle or instigate other procedures. 2.6.5 Members of the public, having been involved in any incident, should not be allowed to wander unsupervised on or near a live carriageway. They should be directed to a safe area, potentially the nearside verge, and given clear instruction to remain there unless directed otherwise by a Police Officer. 2.6.6 Should pedestrians have to enter a live carriageway for any reason such as returning to their vehicle, they should be escorted by a Police Officer wearing suitable high visibility clothing. 3. Positioning of Police Vehicles/Cones/Signs 3.1 On arrival at the locus, the first Police vehicle should be parked at the rear of the incident either in the 'fend off' position (parked diagonally in the lane in which the incident has occurred with the front of the vehicle facing towards the centre of the road) or if the incident has occurred within lane 2 of a dual carriageway, the 'fend in' position (parked diagonally with the front of the Police vehicle facing towards the centre of the road). Version 3.00 6
3.2 Unmarked Police vehicles should only be used to protect incident scenes on the road in exceptional circumstances. This should not be undertaken except following a dynamic risk assessment and where the vehicle is equipped with appropriate signs and cones and staff have access to high visibility jackets. Where staff in an unmarked vehicle not so equipped, come across incidents, they should park their vehicle safely with the hazard lights activated. The officers should advise the ACR, seeking the assistance of a marked unit and, if necessary, warn oncoming traffic from a position of safety. The overriding factor is that staff in such circumstances should not place themselves in a position of danger. 3.3 All other Emergency Service vehicles should thereafter be parked between the rearmost Police vehicle and the incident itself. 4. Clothing 4.1 Police Officers attending incidents on the roads network will wear their police issue high visibility jackets which must be securely fastened to ensure maximum visibility. It should be noted that these jackets must have reflective strips on the sleeves and not be waistcoat type garments. 5. Patrolling in Snow 5.1 A dynamic risk assessment must be carried out by officers patrolling in snow conditions to ensure that officer safety is not compromised. 6. Closure of Snow Gates on the A9 6.1 The following identifies joint procedures for the Highlands and Islands and Tayside Divisions 6.2 General Information 6.2.1 Section 33 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 makes specific provision for snow gates. It states:- Gates (hereafter in this section referred to as snow gates ) may be provided and maintained by the roads authority for the purpose of temporarily closing a road to vehicular traffic on any occasion when snow is rendering or has rendered that road unsafe for such traffic; and where in the opinion of a Constable such an occasion has arisen as respects a road he (or, where the Constable is a Chief Constable, a person acting on his behalf) may, until the road is once again safe for vehicular traffic, close and secure any snow gate on the road against all such traffic except that engaged in the provision or restoration of essential services. Version 3.00 7
engaged in the provision or restoration of essential services means in the opinion of a Constable so engaged; and safe means in such opinion safe (Section 33) 6.2.2 While the principal authority for management and maintenance of trunk roads is invested with the Scottish Executive, they have agency agreements with management agencies to carry out roads authority functions. 6.2.3 Roads Agencies may provide and maintain snow gates. 6.2.4 The Police are given the power to close snow gates. They will also decide when to re-open gates. 6.2.5 While the decision to close will be made by the Police, where they do not do it themselves the actual closing may be done by a person acting on behalf of the Chief Constable, for example a snow plough driver. This is always provided the person is acting on the instructions of the Chief Constable (in practice instructions will be given by any Police Officer with the delegated authority of the Chief Constable). 6.2.6 The Police will consult with the appropriate road agency before deciding to close snow gates. 6.2.7 Snow gates may be closed where snow is making the road unsafe, for example in blizzard conditions or as a result of a road accident in winter conditions. 6.2.8 When the snow gates are closed emergency vehicles may be allowed through by the Police. 6.2.9 The Police will consult with the appropriate roads agency before deciding when the road is safe to re-open the gates. 6.3 Provision of Snow Gates 6.3.1 Snow gates are erected on the A9 Perth/Inverness trunk road at four locations and on the A889 Dalwhinnie/Laggan road at two locations. A9 just south of the Ralia junction. A9 just south of A889 junction at Dalwhinnie. A9 at Trinafour (northbound and southbound on dual carriageway). A9 at Blair Atholl. A889 Dalwhinnie/Laggan road near Dalwhinnie Distillery. A889 Dalwhinnie/Laggan road at Cat Lodge. Version 3.00 8
6.3.2 In conjunction with the two Police divisions the gates are sited in Highland and Perth and Kinross Council areas. The roads agency for the A9 trunk road is the Scottish Executive, whose management agent is Bear Scotland. Local area supervisors are based at Kingussie and Perth. There is a depot at Tulliemet and there are snow blowers at Kingussie and Inverness. 6.3.3 The gates are permanently sited and normally padlocked open. A padlock is fitted to the gates at each site. A flashing warning lamp is located on the gates when closed. Padlock keys will be held at Aviemore Police Station, Dingwall TRPG and with Perth TRPG. 6.3.4 Advance warning signs are sited as follows: A9 Southbound: o A9 at Drumossie Brae, Inverness (Variable Message Signs (VMS) Traffic Scotland) o A9 at Kerrow, Kingussie (VMS Traffic Scotland) o A95 at Granish north of Aviemore (VMS Traffic Scotland) o B9152 just south of Aviemore (VMS Traffic Scotland) o A9 at Ralia (illuminated sign) A86/A889 o A86 at A889 junction, Laggan (FOLD DOWN) o A86 at A889 junction, Laggan (FOLD DOWN) o A889 at rear of Dalwhinnie Distillery (FOLD DOWN) A9 Northbound o A9 at Luncarty north of Perth (VMS Traffic Scotland) o A9 at Blair Atholl (VMS Traffic Scotland) o Atholl Road, Pitlochry (FOLD DOWN) o A9 Pitlochry bypass at Cluniemore (FOLD DOWN) 6.3.5 The ACR will be responsible for informing VMS Traffic Scotland control to have the signs in their respective areas updated. They will also inform motoring organisations and the media to warn drivers of conditions and closures. 6.4 Operational Considerations 6.4.1 Due to the geographical nature of the area and the area of policing responsibility, it is anticipated a decision to close the snow gates may be made by either Highlands and Islands Division or Tayside Division even though conditions in one area are not as severe as in the other. Version 3.00 9
6.5 Closure of Snow Gates 6.5.1 Police from Perth and Dingwall TRPGs, supported by Aviemore and Pitlochry officers will provide normal Police patrol coverage of the section of the A9 route between Pitlochry and Aviemore. 6.5.2 During adverse snow conditions, close liaison will be maintained between Highland and Island Division, Tayside Division, Bear Scotland road crews and appropriate local authorities. 6.5.3 The Police decision to close snow gates will be taken in discussion with Bear Scotland. 6.5.4 When either Police Division are originators of a decision to close snow gates, the authorising officer is to ensure the other Division have been timeously consulted so that closure at either end of the gated section of the A9 is coordinated. See 6.8.2 for ACR numbers 6.6 Police Patrols 6.6.1 In circumstances of a gradual onset of adverse snow conditions Police patrols will be deployed to liaise with Bear Scotland crews. 6.6.2 Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 35 Law Enforcement 6.6.3 ACRs will then put out regular updates on the Lochaber and Skye and Pitlochry channels. 6.6.4 Once snow gate closure has been affected at both ends, a Police patrol accompanied by a Bear Scotland snowplough will check the area between the gates. It is essential to establish that no person has been trapped within the closed section of road. 6.6.5 When the Police are satisfied no person has been trapped, all personnel will be withdrawn from the affected area, apart from Police and Bear Scotland personnel who are necessarily required to remain working in the area. This is to include sufficient resources to maintain a Police presence at the gates at Ralia and Trinafour during the entire period of closure. If it is anticipated that the closure will be in place for more than two hours, these vehicles will be crewed by one Police Officer and one member of staff from Bear Scotland. A discussion will take place at the earliest opportunity to ensure appropriate resourcing. 6.6.6 Police patrols in this circumstance are to be carried out in a 4-wheel drive vehicle suitably equipped. Personnel are to be provided with protective clothing and single manned vehicles are not to be used for patrols in actual or anticipated adverse snow conditions. Version 3.00 10
6.7 Area Control Rooms 6.7.1 Divisions faced with snow gate closures would instigate their respective recording procedures at local and area level as appropriate. 6.7.2 Motoring organisations and media sources would thereafter be informed as per existing divisional arrangements. 6.7.3 When considered safe by the Police the road will be reopened to vehicular traffic. Bear Scotland will only open the gates when instructed to do so by the Police following consultation with them. The communication and consultation procedure will be similar to that for closure. 6.7.4 Local residents who live inside the gated area are to be allowed movement through the gates if conditions between their homes and the gates are considered safe by the Police. 6.7.5 After gates are reopened, a Police presence will be necessary if the road width available dictates one-way convoy movement only. Where appropriate and after consultation with Bear Scotland, consideration will be given to escorting vehicles in convoy through the affected area. 6.8 Useful Contact Details 6.8.1 External Contacts Bear Scotland Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 30 Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs Perth Depot (switchboard) 01738 448600 6.8.2 Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 30 Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs 7. Closure of Snow Gates on the A74 7.1 The ACR in Dumfries and Galloway Division holds the emergency plan which details the initial actions required by Road Policing officers, in implementing a closure of the A74 (M) Glasgow Carlisle Motorway. 7.2 This includes action to be taken due to the impact of closures north and south of the area. Version 3.00 11
List of Associated Reference Documents Appendix A Child Protection SOP Policing Scotland s Roads Manual Version 3.00 12