Highway patrol traffic officers?
Discussion
Noticed recently a number of vehicles running around the M42/M40 midlands way looking suspiciously like Police, but with slightly different markings
did a bit of digging and it seems the police are farming out some of there services to an outside agency, looking after the clearing of breakdowns and minor accidents, generally trying to keep the motorways moving.
[url]www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/tcc/misc/pdf/new_traffic_officer_public_leaflet.pdf[/url]
I figured they wouldnt have any law enforcement powwers, but since they look 'very' similar to police patrols, i.e. white range rovers, volvo estates and nissan patrols, yellow and black squares and lights on top, they seem to have the seame effect. I have learnt to spot em as, but the general motorist doesnt seem to clued up yet!
Seem the midalnds is a trial area, and i welcome it myself, seen a lot about sorting out the minor stuff, and leaving the police to worry about 'real' lawbreakers. Just interested to find out what other people think
I figured they wouldnt have any law enforcement powwers, but since they look 'very' similar to police patrols, they seem to have the seame effect. I have learnt to spot em as they have orange lights, but the general motorist doesnt seem to clued up yet!
did a bit of digging and it seems the police are farming out some of there services to an outside agency, looking after the clearing of breakdowns and minor accidents, generally trying to keep the motorways moving.
[url]www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/tcc/misc/pdf/new_traffic_officer_public_leaflet.pdf[/url]
I figured they wouldnt have any law enforcement powwers, but since they look 'very' similar to police patrols, i.e. white range rovers, volvo estates and nissan patrols, yellow and black squares and lights on top, they seem to have the seame effect. I have learnt to spot em as, but the general motorist doesnt seem to clued up yet!
Seem the midalnds is a trial area, and i welcome it myself, seen a lot about sorting out the minor stuff, and leaving the police to worry about 'real' lawbreakers. Just interested to find out what other people think
I figured they wouldnt have any law enforcement powwers, but since they look 'very' similar to police patrols, they seem to have the seame effect. I have learnt to spot em as they have orange lights, but the general motorist doesnt seem to clued up yet!
Hardly "farming it out to an outside agency" 
The HA are a Government Agency of the DfT who are responsible for the Motorways and Trunk Roads.
I know - I used to work for them.
These patrols are in place to do what the police used to do at accidents - sweep up glass, move traffic along, etc. They have no legal powers, but you would be advised to abide by their directions.
In an accident, plod will always be called to do what they've always done - but this move leaves them free to do only what they have to.
An excellent move. One of the few by the HA. Well done lads.
The HA are a Government Agency of the DfT who are responsible for the Motorways and Trunk Roads. I know - I used to work for them.
These patrols are in place to do what the police used to do at accidents - sweep up glass, move traffic along, etc. They have no legal powers, but you would be advised to abide by their directions.
In an accident, plod will always be called to do what they've always done - but this move leaves them free to do only what they have to.
An excellent move. One of the few by the HA. Well done lads.
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