Highways Agency

• Traffic Incident Management Bulletin

June 2007

Introduction

The Highways Agency has been looking at methods of improving incident management techniques and has introduced Standard Incident Management Guidance (SIMG). It identifies processes and procedures that should be followed during any incident involving the Highways Agency representatives such as the Traffic Officer Service (TOS) or Service Providers (SP). An important area of guidance included within SIMG identifies the need for effective incident command and control and highlights the importance of Rendezvous Points (RVPs).

This will provide an overview to the purpose and key role of RVPs and assist in demonstrating competency in their establishment. Early establishment will assist in the smooth running of the incident and will benefit other responders, including Police, Fire and Rescue, Recovery Operators, Ambulance Services and any other organisations that may be involved in the management of the incident.

What is a Rendezvous Point?

A RVP is the designated meeting location away from the incident scene, where multi agency resources are coordinated and marshalled prior to their attendance at the incident. 

The major role of the RVP is to ensure that incident scene access is effectively managed and that all incident responders are able to attend the scene of the incident in a coordinated and effective manner. The incident scene can be divided in to three levels:

• inner cordon
• outer cordon
• traffic cordon

The initial establishment and control of an RVP is carried out by a Bronze Level Commander, who is defined within Standard Incident Management Framework (SIMF) as the Operational Commander at the incident. This could be completed under guidance from the Silver Commander who will be the tactical manager of such an incident if established. In order to implement an effective RVP, the views and requirements of other responders must be given full consideration.

The strategic road network in England consists of main arterial routes between major towns and cities; as a result these routes can tend to be isolated with minimal access and egress routes being available and long distances separating these points. The establishment of RVPs is particularly important for the effective management of incidents in such locations. Even in less isolated locations, the establishment of RVPs is still valuable.

The establishment and locations of appropriate RVPs will depend on many factors and possible locations for RVPs should be identified when out on routine patrol. The following will help to identify potential locations.

Advice and influencing factors on Rendezvous Points

There are a number of factors, which may affect the selection process for an RVP. Further details can be found in the Highways Agency’s SIMF and SIMG documents although some of the key points have been abstracted below.

Access & Location

• The RVP should be easily accessible by an uncongested road of a high standard (APTR, A-Road or Motorway) and have good access to the marshalling and equipment points (MEP) and the incident scene.
• It should be sited near or between good turning facilities. For example between two large roundabouts to prevent or reduce congestion with other traffic on arrival or departure. This is particularly relevant for large heavy vehicles such as cranes or convoys of vehicles.
• Where possible the RVP should be a secure area with controlled access and egress. The media may try to infiltrate RVPs for pictures of interest and to obtain quotes from those arriving / leaving.
• The RVP should be away from the scene so it is not affected by contamination, smoke, pollutants, explosion etc.
• Within a reasonable distance of refuelling facilities.

Facilities and Requirements

• The RVP should have robust hard standing for heavy or large numbers of vehicles
• The RVP should be large enough to accommodate the vehicles or resources anticipated
• The site should be well sited for Airwave and mobile phone communications
• The area should be capable of being lit during darkness

In addition to the above, the following considerations are central to its successful implementation:

• Nature and scale of the incident
• Position of the RVP: before or after the incident
• Suitability of Reverse Flow

Incidents involving hazardous substances require different management tactics and may involve the setting up of exclusion (or red) zones. They may also require different or additional facilities at RVPs, for example decontamination units, protective clothing and breathing apparatus, and other risk specific equipment or procedures. Location of RVPs for this type of incident will automatically require consultation with Police, Fire and Rescue, Local Authorities and other responders involved to obtain their views and requirements.

RVPs are not only established reactively. Locations covered by COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999) often have several RVPs pre-established and permanently signposted in preparation for any eventuality. The lead Police or Fire and Rescue officer will be able to advise in these instances.

Pre-agreed RVP locations could be written into operational or contingency plans for specific locations such as tunnels or major structures.

Marshalling and Equipment Points

The RVP is one component of incident scene command and control and must not be confused with the MEPs which are positioned at the boundary of the inner cordon where services are located as they attend the incident scene.

Please click here for a typical incident layout diagram showing a selection of potential RVPs (59KB JPG)

Summary

Establishment and use of an RVP is a simple tool that may be used during successful incident management. Some incidents suit their use more than others and it is up to those managing the incident to assess what tactics will provide the optimum solution. Use of established RVPs is advised, as well as identifying possible RVP locations whilst on patrol.