What driving standards are HATO's trained to?
Discussion
I saw some moronic HATO driving on the M4 yesterday which made me wonder how they are trained and to what driving standard.
This was on the M4 Westbound at the swindon junction going up the hill. Traffic was heavy but moving reasonably and there was the inevitable artic in L2 inching past one in L1. I was in L2 behind said L2 artic keeping back to avoid the sandwich. The HATO landrover pops on from the sliproad in front of the artic in L1. He's doing about 40 and the artic is doing 50something. So it's complete chaos, the L1 artic slams on the brakes and starts snaking, the one in L2 alongside him has nowhere to go, everyone else hits the brakes. It was amazing there wasn't some major bent metal.
So as I go past the HATO and look in, the driver is focussed rock-solid dead ahead, no looking round, no mobility. Moron.
Graham
This was on the M4 Westbound at the swindon junction going up the hill. Traffic was heavy but moving reasonably and there was the inevitable artic in L2 inching past one in L1. I was in L2 behind said L2 artic keeping back to avoid the sandwich. The HATO landrover pops on from the sliproad in front of the artic in L1. He's doing about 40 and the artic is doing 50something. So it's complete chaos, the L1 artic slams on the brakes and starts snaking, the one in L2 alongside him has nowhere to go, everyone else hits the brakes. It was amazing there wasn't some major bent metal.
So as I go past the HATO and look in, the driver is focussed rock-solid dead ahead, no looking round, no mobility. Moron.
Graham
Parrot of Doom said:
Perhaps the HATO driver was looking for debris in the road that somebody had phoned in to the police regarding.
I've often used 999 to report stuff on the motorway, once a HATO officer phoned me back to ask the precise location.
What might appear moronic might actually save a life.
I've often used 999 to report stuff on the motorway, once a HATO officer phoned me back to ask the precise location.
What might appear moronic might actually save a life.
If this was the case, would it not be more appropriate to be looking from the hard shoulder rather than pulling out into the path of an oncoming truck?
vh said:
To the best of my knowledge they don't receive any formal driver training, just incident training as per their role.
That's a little surprising as their role involves a lot of professional driving. I would have thought that H&S would hold their employers responsible for their driving standards!
Parrot of Doom said:
Perhaps the HATO driver was looking for debris in the road that somebody had phoned in to the police regarding.
I've often used 999 to report stuff on the motorway, once a HATO officer phoned me back to ask the precise location.
What might appear moronic might actually save a life.
I've often used 999 to report stuff on the motorway, once a HATO officer phoned me back to ask the precise location.
What might appear moronic might actually save a life.
I would have thought that with a driver and a passenger the driver would be focussing on the driving and the passenger on looking for debris.
Graham
gridgway said:
vh said:
To the best of my knowledge they don't receive any formal driver training, just incident training as per their role.
That's a little surprising as their role involves a lot of professional driving. I would have thought that H&S would hold their employers responsible for their driving standards!
Their driving doesn't require them to drive beyond the bounds of their DSA licence.
A professional LGV driver doesn't need any further training other than their DSA licence.
A taxi driver dosn't require any further driver training than their DSA licence.
vonhosen said:
gridgway said:
vh said:
To the best of my knowledge they don't receive any formal driver training, just incident training as per their role.
That's a little surprising as their role involves a lot of professional driving. I would have thought that H&S would hold their employers responsible for their driving standards!
Their driving doesn't require them to drive beyond the bounds of their DSA licence.
A professional LGV driver doesn't need any further training other than their DSA licence.
A taxi driver dosn't require any further driver training than their DSA licence.
Indeed, but H&S does address the responsibility of employers to make sure that drivers who drive on company business are up to it. That those drivers hold a standard DSA licence is not necc good enough. A HATO causing an accident by poor driving would be a bad thing and get a lot of H&S examination.
Graham
gridgway said:
vonhosen said:
gridgway said:
vh said:
To the best of my knowledge they don't receive any formal driver training, just incident training as per their role.
That's a little surprising as their role involves a lot of professional driving. I would have thought that H&S would hold their employers responsible for their driving standards!
Their driving doesn't require them to drive beyond the bounds of their DSA licence.
A professional LGV driver doesn't need any further training other than their DSA licence.
A taxi driver dosn't require any further driver training than their DSA licence.
Indeed, but H&S does address the responsibility of employers to make sure that drivers who drive on company business are up to it. That those drivers hold a standard DSA licence is not necc good enough. A HATO causing an accident by poor driving would be a bad thing and get a lot of H&S examination.
Graham
Graham I think VH might be giving you the legal position answer.
A big play was made at the outset that they were be trained by someone ex-Hendon iirc. That appeared to be the case for those in first release into Midlands area but since then NAFC tbh.
FiF
I agree with VH .... they are not allowed to exceed the speed limit, etc and are only required to drive 'normally'. When required to do something else ..... such as a rolling road to slow and then stop traffic to remove debris then they are given specific training in how to do that specific bit.
That said, I believe - having had a 'chat' from a HATO supervisor - that they are given a 'check test' before being allowed to drive to ensure they are not completely mad, etc .... but that will only be a very basic assessment of their driving and in no way comparable to any police driving.
That said, I believe - having had a 'chat' from a HATO supervisor - that they are given a 'check test' before being allowed to drive to ensure they are not completely mad, etc .... but that will only be a very basic assessment of their driving and in no way comparable to any police driving.
john57 said:
I agree with VH .... they are not allowed to exceed the speed limit, etc and are only required to drive 'normally'. When required to do something else ..... such as a rolling road to slow and then stop traffic to remove debris then they are given specific training in how to do that specific bit.
That said, I believe - having had a 'chat' from a HATO supervisor - that they are given a 'check test' before being allowed to drive to ensure they are not completely mad, etc .... but that will only be a very basic assessment of their driving and in no way comparable to any police driving.
That said, I believe - having had a 'chat' from a HATO supervisor - that they are given a 'check test' before being allowed to drive to ensure they are not completely mad, etc .... but that will only be a very basic assessment of their driving and in no way comparable to any police driving.
I was just going to say exactly the same thing.
In order to satisfy helath & safety no more than a check test of competence & familiarisation with the vehicles would be required to satisfy that (just as is done with Police basic drivers)
I wonder if having say less than six points on their licence is a criterion? Or they must have zero to blame accidents in the last three years?
If not we could have many Hato's who may not be up to the job, as appears was the case here. Not that I think points on your licence means your a poor driver, but where your job entails never breaking speed limits it would be a good indicator.
I know Von thinks a good driving history means very little and is due to luck, but I disagree and most rental companies would not agree either.
If not we could have many Hato's who may not be up to the job, as appears was the case here. Not that I think points on your licence means your a poor driver, but where your job entails never breaking speed limits it would be a good indicator.
I know Von thinks a good driving history means very little and is due to luck, but I disagree and most rental companies would not agree either.
deeps said:
I know Von thinks a good driving history means very little and is due to luck, but I disagree and most rental companies would not agree either.
That's rather a simplification with regard to my views on the subject & picking up on one aspect (ie that not having had a collision is not indicative of good safe practice in your driving itself)
JOB TITLE
Highways Agency Traffic Officer (HATO) (pay band TM1B). This role is classed as a
safety critical role due to the nature of the working environment on the motorway
network and dealing with road users.
REPORTS TO
Traffic Officer Supervisor
SALARY
The starting salary will be £16,659 (plus up to 20% shift allowance). This is a 24/7
service operating 365 days of the year therefore this role is expected to work on one
of two rotating shift patterns both of which include weekends. The currents shift
patterns are either a double day shift, which excludes nights and attracts a 12.5%
shift allowance or the 24/7 shift, which includes nights and attracts a shift allowance
of 20%.
TIMESCALES
All appointments will be made over the next 12 months.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide the on-road resource to support the development of the Highways
Agency’s Network Operator Role.
To reduce incident related congestion
• Managing collisions
• Removing damaged/ broken down and abandoned vehicles
• Clearing debris/ animals on carriageway
To improve road safety for all road users
• Undertaking high visibility patrols
• Providing mobile/ temporary road closures
• Escorting or accompanying high risk, abnormal and other vehicles
To improve journey time reliability
• Monitoring infrastructure and road works
To improve customer relations
• Supporting special events
Other duties
• Supporting crime management- working under Police direction and informing
Police of road traffic offences and support enforcement
• Attending legal proceedings- give evidence as a witness
• Providing limited first aid when first on scene at an accident
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Eligibility Criteria
• 2 years’ experience in an operational customer focused role
OR
• 1 years experience in an operational customer focused role AND minimum of
5 O Levels/GCSEs
AND
• 3 years’ demonstrable driving experience
• Hold a valid driving license for 3 years with a maximum of 3 points on your
license (at the time of sending in your application).
Applications are welcomed from nationalities as outlined in the application pack.
These applications must be supported by a driving record equivalent to the UK
requirement and a full valid license must be held that permits the applicant to
permanently drive Highways Agency vehicles on the UK roads network. This will be
assessed by the Agency who will seek advice from the DVLA where necessary before
reaching a final decision on suitability.
Candidates must live within one hour’s drive of the outstation base.
Competencies
• Working with people
• Customer focus
• Communicating and influencing
• Problem solving and decision making
• Working under pressure
The closing date for receipt of applications is advertised on our website for specific
roles and locations. If you are successful you will be invited to attend a half-day
Assessment Centre.
JOB TITLE
Traffic Officer Supervisor (pay band TM2). This role is classed as a safety critical role
due to the nature of the working environment on the motorway network and dealing
with road users.
REPORTS TO
Operations Manager
SALARY
The starting salary will be £22,907 plus up to 20% shift allowance. This is a 24/7
service operating 365 days per year therefore this role is expected to work on one of
two rotating shift patterns both of which include weekends. The shift patterns are
either a double day shift, which excludes nights and attracts a 12.5% shift allowance
or the 24/7 shift, which includes nights and attracts a shift allowance of 20%.
TIME SCALES
All appointments will be made over the next 12 months.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
• To provide on and off road Support and supervision to the road Traffic Officer
team.
• To monitor and manage the performance of a team of Traffic Officers against
objectives, targets and key performance measures.
• To recruit and train staff, developing the capability of the team so that they
demonstrate the required competencies, behaviours, knowledge and personal
attributes.
• Providing assistance or advice to team members as required and taking
corrective action including disciplinary where necessary.
• Assist management or undertake the planning of the staff rota as necessary
to ensure that the correct on-road staffing levels are maintained.
• Take responsibility for the welfare and health and safety of the team.
Providing emotional support during and after major incidents as well as
managing sickness and other absence in line with Highways Agency’s policy,
adherence to health and safety legislation and ensure that briefing and
debriefing takes place as required.
• To establish and develop effective working relationships with key
stakeholders: the Police, other emergency services, the Incident Support
Units and the rest of the Highways Agency.
• Ensure that all relevant records – data, video, alarms, conversations, actions
etc – are archived for future examination.
• Provide management information reports as necessary.
• Contribute to the improvement of on-road performance, including initiatives
to improve on-road standards and protocols and operating procedures.
• Maintain an advanced knowledge and understanding of complex technology in
a busy environment, ensuring that faults are reported to the appropriate
source as quickly as possible.
• Manage customer complaints
• Attend legal proceedings to give evidence as a witness or expert.
• Undertake Traffic Officer duties to meet business requirements and to ensure
retention of Traffic Officer accreditation and authority to exercise Traffic
Officer powers.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Eligibility Criteria
• 7 years’ supervisory experience in a customer focused environment.
OR
• 5 O Levels/GCSEs (or equivalent).
• 3 years’ customer focused experience and 1 years’ supervisory experience.
AND
• 3 years’ demonstrable driving experience.
• Hold a valid driving licence for 3 years with maximum of 3 points on your
licence (at the time of sending in your application).
Applications are welcomed from nationalities as outlined in the application pack.
These applications must be supported by a driving record equivalent to the UK
requirement and a full valid licence must be held that permits the applicant to
permanently drive Highways Agency vehicles on the UK roads network. This will be
assessed by the Agency who will seek advice from the DVLA where necessary before
reaching a final decision on suitability.
Candidates must live within one hour's drive of the outstation base.
Competencies
• Working with people.
• Customer focus.
• Communicating and influencing.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Managing resources and delivering results.
The above competencies will be assessed at the Achievement Record stage.
Candidates who are invited to Assessment Centre will then be assessed against all of
the Highways Agency's competencies (as listed in the Application Information).
The closing date for receipt of applications is advertised on our website for specific
roles and locations. If you are successful you will be invited to attend a half-day
Assessment Centre.
Highways Agency Traffic Officer (HATO) (pay band TM1B). This role is classed as a
safety critical role due to the nature of the working environment on the motorway
network and dealing with road users.
REPORTS TO
Traffic Officer Supervisor
SALARY
The starting salary will be £16,659 (plus up to 20% shift allowance). This is a 24/7
service operating 365 days of the year therefore this role is expected to work on one
of two rotating shift patterns both of which include weekends. The currents shift
patterns are either a double day shift, which excludes nights and attracts a 12.5%
shift allowance or the 24/7 shift, which includes nights and attracts a shift allowance
of 20%.
TIMESCALES
All appointments will be made over the next 12 months.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide the on-road resource to support the development of the Highways
Agency’s Network Operator Role.
To reduce incident related congestion
• Managing collisions
• Removing damaged/ broken down and abandoned vehicles
• Clearing debris/ animals on carriageway
To improve road safety for all road users
• Undertaking high visibility patrols
• Providing mobile/ temporary road closures
• Escorting or accompanying high risk, abnormal and other vehicles
To improve journey time reliability
• Monitoring infrastructure and road works
To improve customer relations
• Supporting special events
Other duties
• Supporting crime management- working under Police direction and informing
Police of road traffic offences and support enforcement
• Attending legal proceedings- give evidence as a witness
• Providing limited first aid when first on scene at an accident
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Eligibility Criteria
• 2 years’ experience in an operational customer focused role
OR
• 1 years experience in an operational customer focused role AND minimum of
5 O Levels/GCSEs
AND
• 3 years’ demonstrable driving experience
• Hold a valid driving license for 3 years with a maximum of 3 points on your
license (at the time of sending in your application).
Applications are welcomed from nationalities as outlined in the application pack.
These applications must be supported by a driving record equivalent to the UK
requirement and a full valid license must be held that permits the applicant to
permanently drive Highways Agency vehicles on the UK roads network. This will be
assessed by the Agency who will seek advice from the DVLA where necessary before
reaching a final decision on suitability.
Candidates must live within one hour’s drive of the outstation base.
Competencies
• Working with people
• Customer focus
• Communicating and influencing
• Problem solving and decision making
• Working under pressure
The closing date for receipt of applications is advertised on our website for specific
roles and locations. If you are successful you will be invited to attend a half-day
Assessment Centre.
JOB TITLE
Traffic Officer Supervisor (pay band TM2). This role is classed as a safety critical role
due to the nature of the working environment on the motorway network and dealing
with road users.
REPORTS TO
Operations Manager
SALARY
The starting salary will be £22,907 plus up to 20% shift allowance. This is a 24/7
service operating 365 days per year therefore this role is expected to work on one of
two rotating shift patterns both of which include weekends. The shift patterns are
either a double day shift, which excludes nights and attracts a 12.5% shift allowance
or the 24/7 shift, which includes nights and attracts a shift allowance of 20%.
TIME SCALES
All appointments will be made over the next 12 months.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
• To provide on and off road Support and supervision to the road Traffic Officer
team.
• To monitor and manage the performance of a team of Traffic Officers against
objectives, targets and key performance measures.
• To recruit and train staff, developing the capability of the team so that they
demonstrate the required competencies, behaviours, knowledge and personal
attributes.
• Providing assistance or advice to team members as required and taking
corrective action including disciplinary where necessary.
• Assist management or undertake the planning of the staff rota as necessary
to ensure that the correct on-road staffing levels are maintained.
• Take responsibility for the welfare and health and safety of the team.
Providing emotional support during and after major incidents as well as
managing sickness and other absence in line with Highways Agency’s policy,
adherence to health and safety legislation and ensure that briefing and
debriefing takes place as required.
• To establish and develop effective working relationships with key
stakeholders: the Police, other emergency services, the Incident Support
Units and the rest of the Highways Agency.
• Ensure that all relevant records – data, video, alarms, conversations, actions
etc – are archived for future examination.
• Provide management information reports as necessary.
• Contribute to the improvement of on-road performance, including initiatives
to improve on-road standards and protocols and operating procedures.
• Maintain an advanced knowledge and understanding of complex technology in
a busy environment, ensuring that faults are reported to the appropriate
source as quickly as possible.
• Manage customer complaints
• Attend legal proceedings to give evidence as a witness or expert.
• Undertake Traffic Officer duties to meet business requirements and to ensure
retention of Traffic Officer accreditation and authority to exercise Traffic
Officer powers.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Eligibility Criteria
• 7 years’ supervisory experience in a customer focused environment.
OR
• 5 O Levels/GCSEs (or equivalent).
• 3 years’ customer focused experience and 1 years’ supervisory experience.
AND
• 3 years’ demonstrable driving experience.
• Hold a valid driving licence for 3 years with maximum of 3 points on your
licence (at the time of sending in your application).
Applications are welcomed from nationalities as outlined in the application pack.
These applications must be supported by a driving record equivalent to the UK
requirement and a full valid licence must be held that permits the applicant to
permanently drive Highways Agency vehicles on the UK roads network. This will be
assessed by the Agency who will seek advice from the DVLA where necessary before
reaching a final decision on suitability.
Candidates must live within one hour's drive of the outstation base.
Competencies
• Working with people.
• Customer focus.
• Communicating and influencing.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Managing resources and delivering results.
The above competencies will be assessed at the Achievement Record stage.
Candidates who are invited to Assessment Centre will then be assessed against all of
the Highways Agency's competencies (as listed in the Application Information).
The closing date for receipt of applications is advertised on our website for specific
roles and locations. If you are successful you will be invited to attend a half-day
Assessment Centre.
Edited by shuvitupya on Monday 17th July 22:43
safespeed said:
HATOs...
Should we take that to mean that you would be happy if they displayed the skillset of someone who has just passed the DSA test?
vonhosen said:
Their driving doesn't require them to drive beyond the bounds of their DSA licence.
Should we take that to mean that you would be happy if they displayed the skillset of someone who has just passed the DSA test?
It's not up to me.
In common with most driving jobs the criteria are set by the employer.
(An excellent newly qualified driver will be better than a very poor driver who passed their test 50 years ago.)
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