CONTENTS

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

This revised National Guidance Framework re-affirms the basis for cooperation between the Highways Agency ("the Agency")1, as the operator of Motorways and All-Purpose Trunk Roads in England ("the core network")2 and the Executive of the Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee (TOCC)3 representing Local Highway Authorities (LHAs) in England.

We continue to recommend that the general principles described in this document be adopted as the guidance framework to be used for negotiations and agreement with each Local Highway Authority in England. Additionally, the valued contribution of the Scottish Executive and the Transport Directorate of the Welsh Assembly is recognised and re-affirms our mutual aim in the delivery of a seamless service.

The spirit of these agreements will be developed to maximise benefit to the travelling public using both the Agency's Network and the LHA road network. This agreement and forthcoming revisions to the Detailed Local Operating Agreements build on the foundations of an operational relationship between the Agency and LHAs that will continue to be developed and strengthened in response to operational experience, for the benefit of all parties and most importantly for the travelling public.

Signatures

This NGF does not constitute a legally binding agreement or commitment between any parties but is intended to provide a basis for the voluntary partnership arrangements to be developed between the Agency and LHAs.

1 Reference to "The Agency" in this document should be construed as the Highways Agency and, unless specifically noted, includes its operational partners such as the National Traffic Control Centre operator. [back to 1]

2 "The core network" definition is used in this document as a convenient reference to the relevant portions of the road network administered by the Agency. It has slightly differing meanings when used in official documents or in connection to the Agency's National or Region Control Centres, and may change from time-to-time. Annex A outlines the Agency's core network as it currently exists. [back to 2]

3 The Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC) acknowledges the considerable contribution made to this document by the Core Cities Group representation on the TOCC Executive. However, due to the Group's constitutional status, it is not a signatory to this National Guidance Framework. [back to 3]

FOREWORD

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

As part of the implementation of the Government's 10 Year Plan for Transport, the Highways Agency is working closely with Police and local highway authorities to strengthen the way in which England's Motorway and Trunk Road network (the core network) is managed. The National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC), which commenced operation in November 2003, was introduced to reduce the effects of congestion on England's core network caused by traffic related incidents and planned events, by informing the travelling public about current network conditions.

Building on this, the Traffic Management Act 2004 made provision for the Agency to carry out some of the traffic management functions on motorways and trunk roads, which until now have only been carried out by the Police. Consequently, a national network of Regional Control Centres (RCCs) is being established. These RCCs, which will be operated in partnership with the Police, will assist in the management of planned and unplanned events on the network. The Traffic Management Act also places a network management duty on Local Highway Authorities (LHAs) to secure the expeditious movement of traffic on the authority's road network and to facilitate the efficient movement of traffic on road networks for which another authority is the traffic authority. Each LHA must appoint a Traffic Manager to be responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act as they apply to the local authority. For consistency, the Agency will respond in a similar manner to LHAs in the identification of the role of a Traffic Manager.

It is clear, therefore, that the Agency and the LHAs share many common objectives in the management of their respective portions of the road network, and more importantly, they must work together to ensure that disruptions to the travelling public are minimised in situations where traffic events can affect both authorities. The NTCC, RCCs and other Agency operational units will work in close partnership with each other and with other organisations involved in the management of the Local Highway Authority Network as well as the core network. This includes LHAs, the Police, other highway authorities, other network operators, information service providers and many others.

This National Guidance Framework (NGF) establishes the basis of the operational partnership required between the Agency and LHAs. It reflects the principles that the Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee (TOCC) Executive recommends for adoption by individual LHAs in their Detailed Local Operating Agreements (DLOAs) and covers issues of national significance and policy related to the operation of the NTCC and RCCs. Underneath this NGF, DLOAs agreed with local authorities over 2002/03 will continue to evolve to reflect local circumstances, and to this end, a revised model DLOA is in preparation, as a reference for subsequent review discussions. The maintenance of these operational partnerships is crucial to the success of continued operations. The NGF addresses each of the operational areas in which the parties are expected to interact and provides guidelines as to how this should be achieved. The process whereby the NGF and DLOAs are to be reviewed and revised is also described.

Individual LHAs and their representative bodies continue to be involved in the development of this NGF and their invaluable assistance is very much appreciated. The work that LHAs have put into the DLOAs is also recognised and appreciated. The sustained objective is to build on the positive, day-to-day close relationships between the Agency and the LHAs and others to provide a seamless service to our mutual customer, the travelling public.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 PREAMBLE

1.1 Local Highways Authority The National Guidance Framework (NGF)

This revised NGF document is an agreement made between the Executive of the Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC) representing Local Highway Authorities (LHAs)5 and the Highways Agency ("the Agency"). It re-affirms and advances the principles behind the development of operational relationships between LHAs and the Agency, which were published in the first edition of the NGF (January 2002) and which is now superseded. The NGF is concerned with the management of traffic and traffic related events and information on the road network, particularly as it relates to the activities of the Agency's National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC), Regional Control Centres (RCCs) and Local Highway Authorities. A glossary of terms and abbreviations is found in Annex B.

1.2 Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC)

The TOCC6 was established to bring together representatives from LHAs throughout England to keep under review the co-ordination agreements and operational procedures made with the Agency. It is overseen by the TOCC Executive, comprising representatives from the County Surveyors' Society (CSS), the Core Cities Group and the Technical Advisors Group (TAG). TOCC also includes representatives from the Agency, the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Executive and a wide spectrum of LHAs in England.

1.3 Detailed Local Operating Agreements (DLOAs)

DLOAs are the working documents, agreed between the Agency, its operating partners and individual LHAs, based on a common framework, but tailored to meet the specific needs of that LHA. The DLOA, which is updated regularly, describe the procedures, protocols and communication methods that are used by each LHA, the RCCs and the NTCC in exchanging and acting upon operational information between the LHA, the RCCs, the NTCC, the Agency and its Service Providers.

1.4 Interested Parties

In addition to the primary partners to the NGF, there are numerous other parties across the UK that have an interest in or may be affected by the operational arrangements between the Agency and the LHAs, and who will need to be consulted from time-to-time.

1.4.1 Other Highway Authorities (OHAs)

Practical working relationships established with Other Highway Authorities (OHAs), which include bridge and tunnel operators, as well as control centres in Scotland and Wales where cross-border issues exist, will need to be regularly reviewed. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales have been closely involved in the consultative process for development of this NGF. This partnership will continue through the re-appraisal of national agreements, (similar to DLOAs) with each of these organisations.

1.4.2 Information Service Providers

The public and private news media and other information service providers play a key part in disseminating information to the travelling public. Accordingly, arrangements are in place with these providers to facilitate that information disseminated to the public is coordinated with other information channels such as the Agency's Web Site. Representatives of the media meet with the Agency and its operational partners on a regular basis to review the working arrangements.

1.4.3 Other Interested Parties

It is recognised that consultation will need to include a wide range of Other Interested Parties (OIPs) including the Police, the Agency's Service Providers, DBFO7 operators, major traffic generators (e.g. major sporting events, regional shopping centres) and others. Operating arrangements will continue to be developed with these groups to ensure that all aspects of Network operation are fully coordinated.

1.5 Common Objectives of the NGF

The existing mandates of the Highways Agency and Local Authorities, together with the recent development of the Traffic Management Act, suggest that there are many areas where the two levels of operating authority share common objectives.

5 For the purposes of this document, the terms "Local Highway Authority" and "LHA" refer to a Local Authority in England responsible for local roads under relevant legislation. A "Local Authority" under this definition is considered to be a county council, a district council, a London borough council, a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985 or the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as local authority or any authority that is a successor authority to any of them. [back to 5]

6 Terms of Reference for the Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC) are detailed in Annex C. [back to 6]

7 A number of Agency roads are maintained by Design Build Finance and Operate (DBFO) contractors. [back to 7]

1 PREAMBLE

2 DLOA PRINCIPLES

When developing the specific DLOAs, there are a number of underlying principles that should be reflected in the intent and wording of the document.

1. Spirit of Co-operation

In order to maintain effective agreements and operational coordination, the spirit of cooperation between the Agency and LHAs that has developed through a mutual understanding and appreciation of the key issues from each organisation's perspective will continue to be used to review and improve effective operational agreements.

2. Adapting to Change

Operational arrangements must be flexible enough to take account of the emergence of new technologies, major new initiatives and the effects of new or amended legislation. In particular, the Traffic Management Act 2004 and the duties placed on Local Authorities, in combination with the Local Transport Plans, will impact significantly on the operation of the local road network. Similarly the introduction and evolution of the Agency's Regional Control Centres will add another dimension to the local liaison process.

3. Existing Arrangements

Existing arrangements in place for the exchange of traffic information, for example with the Agency's Service Providers, will be further refined and harmonised and these relationships developed accordingly.

4. National Approach

The TOCC (representing LHAs) and the Agency will jointly seek to agree and promote national policies for operation of the NTCC and RCCs. The TOCC Executive will work towards co-ordinating responses of LHAs in dialogue with the Agency concerning the development of such national policies.

2 DLOA PRINCIPLES

3 OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

It is intended that the DLOAs will address a broad range of operational activities that are likely to be encountered in the management of the respective road networks under the jurisdiction of each party. The following sections outline the operating principles that should be incorporated into the DLOA (where appropriate).

3.1 Management of the Road Network

The control centres responsible for managing traffic on the Road Network will comprise:

National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC)

Located outside Birmingham, and operated on behalf of the Agency by Traffic Information Services Ltd. (TiS) under a long-term contract, the NTCC collects data on road conditions from a variety of sources. The data is analysed and used to provide information to drivers, the public, emergency services and the media. The NTCC will remain the primary channel for the Highways Agency to disseminate traffic information. This information will be provided by website, telephone service and Variable Message Signs and such other means as may be determined from time-to-time.

Regional Control Centres (RCCs)

The Agency is implementing a network of seven regional control centres across England, to be jointly staffed by the Police and the Agency. The centres will be rolled out over a period of time to cover motorways and some key trunk roads within each region of the country. Over time, their operations may be expanded to the entire core network. RCCs will be primarily responsible for the management and operations of the Traffic Officer Service8 and will be focused on responding to traffic incidents. RCC operations have a local focus and will have, for instance, an input into the development of local diversion routes with LHAs.

Local Authority Control Centres

Local Highway Authorities will have a wide range of control centres to manage the traffic on local roads and to co-ordinate with other road authorities and the media, depending on their needs.

3.2 Operational Responsibilities

Changes to existing organisational arrangements will be adopted in the review process of each DLOA. A mutual understanding of the respective operations is vital to ensure effective operational procedures and systems are planned accordingly. In order to place operational planning in its proper context, Table 1 illustrates the current operational roles and responsibilities of the NTCC, the Police, RCCs (where operational), Service Providers9 and LHAs. This table will be updated in the future to reflect changing operational roles including those arising from the Traffic Management Act.

Table 1: Summary of Operational Roles and Responsibilities
FUNCTION Highways Agency LHA Police
NTCC RCCs Service Providers
Management Responsibility Primary source of Traffic Information on core network. Strategic VMS setting. Management of the Traffic Officer Service. Regional focus for operational traffic management. Maintenance of Infrastructure on core network. Incident support. Managing and maintenance of LHA network. Network Management Duty. Protection of life. Prevention and detection of criminality. Preservation of the scenes of crime.
Planned Events Supporting event planning. Supporting event planning. Event planning. Event planning. Event planning.
Traffic Information Monitoring of the core network for wide area strategic traffic management. Regional monitoring of Motorways and Key Trunk Roads to reduce congestion. Monitoring of the core network for traffic management. Monitoring of the LHA network for traffic management. Monitoring of all networks for incident management.
Incident Management Responsibilities Supporting Police and RCCs in incident management for the core network and supporting LHA on defined network. Reducing the impact of incidents by working with Police and Service Providers. Providing incident information to NTCC for dissemination to LHAs and other interested parties. Supporting Police and RCCs in incident management for the core network. Providing relevant incident information to NTCC/RCCs. Supporting Police in incident management for LHA network and providing NTCC with information where it has an impact on the core network. Providing relevant incident information to LHAs for their networks and to NTCC where it has an impact on the core network.
VMS & Other Traffic Diversion Measures Controlling VMS for wide area strategic traffic management purposes. In conjunction with the Police, controlling VMS and signals for tactical and local incident management and safety purposes. Providing equipment and personnel for implementing emergency local diversions for incident management purposes. Coordinating LHA VMS signs and signals with NTCC. Liaison with RCCs to control VMS and signals for incident management and safety purposes.
Strategic & Tactical Diversions Setting widearea diversions within core network for strategic traffic management purposes. Implementation of tactical and local diversions for incident management purposes. Providing operational support to facilitate emergency local diversions for incident management purposes. Managing emergency local diversions on agreed routes within the LHA network. Continuing to implement emergency local diversions for incident management purposes.
Information Flows Primary route for the flow of all traffic data. Incoming and outgoing - interfacing with the media, RCCs, Service Providers, LHAs etc. Two way flow, receiving information from NTCC and updating NTCC on current status of events in their field of operations. Updating NTCC/RCC on current status of events, scheduled roadworks etc. Providing traffic information to media etc, advising on local road conditions and alternative routes. Continuing to provide to the media etc nontraffic information on all roads and traffic information on the LHA network.

3.3 Agency/LHA Interface

The NTCC will act as the primary interface for all traffic information being passed between local authorities and the Highways Agency. As the Highways Agency rolls out the seven RCCs, the NTCC will play a pivotal role in coordination using its existing liaison arrangements. Throughout the RCC roll out period, and indeed the operational period thereafter, every effort will be made to eliminate duplicating information flows.

The organisational interface between the agency and the local authorities will take place under the auspices of the Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee (TOCC). Seven Traffic Operations Regional Groups will be formed to provide the primary forum in each of seven regions across the country for the Agency and the LHAs, together with the Police and other interested parties, to discuss and propose solutions to traffic management issues of mutual concern. Terms of Reference for TOCC and its operational committees - the Traffic Operations Steering Group (TOSG) and the Traffic Operations Regional Groups (TORG) may be found in Annex C of this NGF.

3.4 Information Sharing

The NTCC will make available, free of charge to LHAs (in accordance with agreed procedures), data containing real-time information about traffic conditions and planned events on the core network that would be of practical value to the LHA in the management of its local network. The NTCC will recommend, if required, appropriate systems that may be needed to acquire this data. Computer hardware and software for these systems will not be provided by the NTCC or the Agency.

LHAs are encouraged to make available similar information about traffic conditions and planned events on the LHA road network that may directly influence conditions on the Agency's Network. Such information will only be used to inform decision-making and will not be passed on or sold to any third party without prior agreement

3.4.1 NTCC Primary Services

The Agency will make the following services available to a LHA:

Information for LHAs: With regard to the traffic situation on the Agency's core network for its operational use, real-time information from the NTCC database of current events on the core network and any strategic responses that are in operation or are planned. This will comprise information about traffic conditions and planned events on the core network of practical value in the management of the LHA network. For planned and unplanned events on the core network, this will include the following details:

Information on Planned Events (including roadworks): Relevant details in the NTCC database of planned events on the core network (e.g. roadworks) will be made available for an LHA, to assist with its own local network planning activities.

Diversions onto the Core Network: Where capacity is available, and subject to the primacy of core network management, the NTCC will provide a positive response to requests from an LHA to use the core network for the diversion of local traffic around events that may occur on local network roads. Such diversions will be co-ordinated with the appropriate RCC where required.

Display of LHA Network Information on Agency Variable Message Signs (VMS): All requests for setting messages on VMS are to be processed through the NTCC. The NTCC may set pre-agreed messages on VMS on the core network at the request of an LHA, subject to the VMS continuing to be available for travel information messages relating to the NTCC road network. Any such activity must be in accordance with relevant Agency protocols and procedures for VMS message content and use.

Use of NTCC Dissemination Media: The NTCC will respond to requests from LHAs to use NTCC information dissemination media (including VMS) to provide information about events that are not located on the core network, subject to the relevant media being available for this purpose and not otherwise in use for a higher priority. The NTCC will undertake to coordinate any response with the appropriate RCC. Any such activity will be in accordance with relevant Agency protocols.

Dissemination criteria and communication methods will be defined within each DLOA. The geographic extent of the information available is tailored to suit the requirements of each authority.

Other information relating to current and planned events on the wider core network, outside the LHA's immediate area of interest can be found in our Traffic Information page.

3.4.2 NTCC Additional Services

Areas in which the NTCC may additionally provide assistance, if required, include:

Data for LHA Planning: The NTCC will make historical data freely available from its databases to an LHA for operational and planning purposes. The scope and extent of this activity will form part of the DLOA discussions with an individual LHA, subject to the data processing agreement governing the operation of NTCC;

Contact Information: The NTCC will hold a database of operational contact information, key elements of which will be available for valid operational use, free of charge to an LHA, subject to issues of privacy and commercial confidentiality and consent from the Data Controller (Agency); and

Key Information: Key information includes both contact and geographic details. The NTCC has collected information on key contacts within LHAs, the Police, OHAs, Service Providers, and other traffic generators. Arrangements are in place to ensure the completeness and accuracy of this data is maintained. LHAs are able to make enquiries against this database, subject to issues of privacy and commercial confidentiality. Information collected from LHAs and other sources will be promulgated by the NTCC across the Highways Agency.

3.4.3 LHA Services to the NTCC

So far as is practical, LHAs are recommended to put in place services to provide the NTCC with the following:

Unplanned Event Information: LHAs are encouraged to provide timely advice to the NTCC about the existence and progress of incidents on the LHA road network that are affecting, or are likely to affect, the core network (e.g. changes in the estimated duration of any lane or carriageway closures). The geographic extent is agreed with each LHA locally and is referred to as the 'Network of Influence'. Full details are included in the DLOAs;

Planned Event Information: LHAs are further encouraged to provide information on planned events (both roadworks and traffic generating events) that occur within the Network of Influence; and

Utility Works: LHAs are encouraged to pass to the NTCC information relating to utility works on their Local Network that have potential to affect the Agency's core network.

3.5 Response to Events

3.5.1 Off-line Preparation

The NTCC will maintain a regular dialogue with LHAs to identify opportunities for effective traffic management involving diversion of traffic from the LHA network onto the core network.

NTCC could also make available to LHAs details of any strategic responses to be implemented on the core network that are likely to impact upon the LHA network.

In the planning of strategic traffic management for special events (e.g. exhibitions, motor shows, sports events) that are likely to significantly affect traffic conditions on the LHA network, the NTCC will take appropriate account of the views of the LHA and, where relevant, advise RCC and local Police force(s) of the views of the LHA. This is expected to involve meetings with all the relevant parties (including the NTCC, RCC, LHA(s), Police force(s), event organisers and others as required) to agree on strategies for network management during the course of the event.

It is also recognised that appropriate debriefing meetings should be held after major events to jointly assess the effectiveness of the planned and actual response to the events and make recommendations for improvement.

3.5.2 Real-Time Operations

LHAs are invited to identify those roads within/without their operational area for which information is required. NTCC undertakes to notify the LHA of incidents (planned or unplanned) that occur within the area defined. NTCC will also provide updates on the event together with notification of when the event is cleared or completed. The NTCC will advise LHAs of any changes in strategic responses when that change to the response is implemented.

However, any diversion of traffic by the NTCC will be restricted to core network routes and will not take place upon the local road network. RCCs will collaborate with LHAs and the local Police force to discuss and agree the use of LHA network routes for local diversions from the core network.

Strategic responses relating to management of the core network will have priority over responses relating to the management of the LHA road network except where the local Police force and the NTCC agree that specific circumstances require a different approach.

3.5.3 Dissemination of Information

The NTCC will provide traffic information related only to the Agency's core network. LHAs will continue with any existing services for provision of traffic information on other roads and will maintain their own arrangements for such services. However, where an incident affects both the core network and the LHA network, to ensure consistency, the NTCC will liase with the relevant RCC and the LHA to co-ordinate traffic information for dissemination to third parties.

3.5.4 Utility Works

The Traffic Management Act 2004 places a network management duty upon LHAs. The duty includes the coordination and direction of works in the street and working with partners and stakeholders to achieve this requirement. As part of this process LHAs are encouraged to pass to the NTCC information relating to utility works on their network that have potential to affect the Agency's Core Network.

3.6 Data and Information Exchange

Information as described in sections 3.4 and 3.5 above will be transferred via any convenient and available media that is practicable, including telephone, fax, e-mail and remote terminal systems. It is envisaged that, where appropriate, the communication of data and information between the NTCC and LHAs will be system-to-system internet-based, following Travel Information Highway (TIH) principles. (www.tih.org.uk) To this end, the TOCC Executive and the Agency will use their best endeavours to promote TIH principles, encouraging the use of it by LHAs. The implementation, development and operational responsibility for any new or existing LHA systems to exchange data with the NTCC will be defined in agreements made under DLOA process.

The Agency will ensure that any data protection issues, including the possible recording of telephone conversations, are dealt with in accordance with the appropriate contractual and legal obligations. The Agency will comply with relevant current UK and European legal requirements for data protection.

Data security of the NTCC systems will also comply with current guidelines, including firewall and anti-virus protection and user-level access control. The extent of data security between the NTCC and an LHA will be subject to discussion under the DLOA process.

The interface, presentation and format of data from on-line active systems shall follow TIH principles where possible or be subject to individual agreements between the Agency and each LHA. The principal aim of adopting TIH principles is to avoid a number of different approaches to data exchange. These systems may include databases, monitoring equipment, traffic control systems etc.

3.7 CCTV

The Agency and LHAs will, where it is both possible and feasible, grant access to real time or current CCTV images from CCTV cameras operated or under the control of either organisation by request or by fixed agreement. Procedures have been put in place to ensure that the Police have priority control of the cameras for incident management purposes and the facility to block images of a sensitive nature.

3.8 Network Referencing

The NTCC will be responsible for making available to an LHA, facility(s) to translate from the network referencing system(s) used by the LHA to that used by the NTCC where the interface of information technology requires this facility and where it is considered practical to do so. This information will be used in communications with the LHA and will be available to an LHA for its local area. The system(s) to be used in communications with each LHA are to be agreed in the DLOAs.

3.9 Day-to-Day Operations

The Agency will work in accordance with the DLOAs and to the guidelines laid down in this NGF. These are agreed on an individual basis with each LHA. On a day-to-day basis NTCC will monitor traffic on the core network, liasing with LHAs and other parties and responding appropriately. The Agency will respond to requests from an LHA to adjust the arrangements where appropriate to suit their own circumstances.

8 Highways Agency Traffic Officers roles have been developed jointly with the Police. The RCCs will deploy Traffic Officers to incidents and will help the Police by managing the traffic around accidents to reduce congestion. The Police will continue to deal with the enforcement of road traffic offences, the investigation of crime and will retain overall responsibility for serious incidents. [back to 8]

9 'Service Provider' refers to MAs, MACs, EMACs and DBFO concessionaires and any contractor or sub-contractor working on behalf of that organisation who can be delegated by that organisation to provide the relevant information to NTCC in the specified timescale. [back to 9]

3 OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

4 NGF/DLOA ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW

4.1 Agency/LHA Liaison Arrangements

The continuing liaison between the Agency and the LHAs is being managed under the direction of the Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC), a special purpose committee having representation from the Highways Agency and local authority organisations County Surveyors' Society (CSS), Core Cities Group and the Technical Advisors Group (TAG).

A framework for liaison has been adopted which allows for the effective management and appraisal of DLOAs (and if necessary the NGF). A regionally based consultation process is envisaged. This takes account of local or regional needs and input and will encompass the varying requirements of LHAs and the Agency as regarding new legislation, national policies or changes in working practices, including issues such as those raised by data protection and privacy legislation. Additionally so as to avoid any duplication of effort or unnecessary time spent in the liaison process, a template will be provided for all DLOAs and common themes or practices etc. will be communicated to other regions or parties as required.

A group consisting of representatives of the Agency, LHAs, the Police, OHAs and OIPs will be formed as the Traffic Operations Steering Group (TOSG), to make representation to the TOCC on issues raised by the seven Traffic Operations Regional Groups (TORG).

These regional groups, each representing one of the geographical areas defined by the operational responsibility of the Agency's RCCs, will include representatives of the Agency, LHAs and the Police. All LHAs will have the opportunity to participate in TORGs, which will discuss, co-ordinate and review issues relating to the local and regional management of traffic activities in their region. Where appropriate, the TORGs will make representation to the TOSG on issues requiring broader consideration.

Further details on the liaison process and the terms of reference for the TOCC, TOSG and TORGs may be found in the Appendices.

4.2 Continuous Improvement

It is recognised that there will be a process of continuous improvement in the light of practical operational experience, and procedures will be put in place to ensure that operational processes and procedures for both the Agency and LHAs are maintained to accurately reflect required changes. This will be underpinned by a process of annual review of the DLOA with each LHA and intermediate review as and when considered necessary by agreement between both parties. The NGF will also undergo an annual process of review with input from LHAs.

Wherever possible, opportunities will be taken to improve the Agency's and LHA's resource utilisation for the continuous improvement of services to the travelling public. One of the ongoing aims is to improve the service through a process of continuous review, reflected in Figure 4.2 below.

Review Process

Figure 4.2: Review Process

4.3 NGF/DLOA REVIEW

All parties acknowledge that the policies of LHAs and the Agency will change from time-totime. This NGF will be the subject of regular review, as will each of the DLOAs. The following principles describe the framework within which these reviews will take place:

  1. The DLOAs are arrangements with individual LHAs. The Agency will ensure that the review process is carried out in the most efficient manner and progress will be monitored by the TOCC Steering Group.
  2. The Agency and individual LHAs will continually review operational methods, practices and procedures in order to identify and/or share best practice, and to address any points of concern. The Agency will use all reasonable endeavours to mitigate unresolved issues. DLOAs will be amended to reflect any resultant changes. These reviews will take place annually but may be supplemented by additional reviews if required by circumstances.
  3. As part of the review process, the NTCC will upon request, assist LHAs in evaluating the previous year's operational activities between the LHA and the NTCC by providing a statistical report (e.g. number of incidents on the core network in the LHA area and number of occasions where NTCC strategies were implemented). The LHA and NTCC should reach agreement on the content and format of this report.
  4. The three principal bodies involved in the DLOA review process (LHAs, NTCC, and the Agency) will ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that negotiations take place on an allinclusive basis, without the need for separate meetings between them. Every opportunity should be taken to include (or take account of) other relevant parties in those discussions (e.g. Local Police, Service Providers) to streamline the review process.
  5. Representation for LHAs and the Agency at local level will be the most appropriate given the circumstances and will reflect the needs of Traffic Managers, RCCs, Service Providers, Agency Area Teams and their respective parent organisations. Where possible single, member representation is desirable.
4 NGF/DLOA ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW

5 CONTACTS

For further information, copies of the documents mentioned in this document or for details of Highways Agency policy contact the following:

Information & Customer Services
The Highways Agency
The National Traffic Control Centre
3 Ridgeway
Quinton Business Park
Quinton Expressway
Birmingham
B32 1AF

Highways Agency Information Line
Tel: 08457 50 40 30
Email: ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk

See also:
Travel Information Highway (TIH) website at: http://www.tih.org.uk/

5 CONTACTS