Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Free Traffic Information Seminars
Helping your business get its customers, drivers and goods where they should be, on time and stress-free.
Capability Assessment Toolkit 3
Introducing new and challenging indicators in the area of corporate social responsibility.
Efficiency Gains from Collaborative Roads Procurement
Delivering efficiency and best value is central
Exercising - Update
October 2007
In August 2007 the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Bulletin published an article advocating exercising plans and procedures. This article is a follow up highlighting some of the exercises that have occurred recently along with a few key learning points already identified.
Exercise Encore - North Weald 4th October 2007
This exercise was a 'live' situation exercise played out as if it were a real incident albeit it was on an airfield as opposed to a section of the Highways Agency's network.
The scenario involved Traffic Officers as first on scene of a Road Traffic Collision involving a Large Goods Vehicle. The incident would involve a closure and management of a large queue of traffic.
As with an incident of this type the exercise involved participation by a range of responders. The exercise was designed to concentrate on the interactions between responders - especially with regard to incident management and interaction of Bronze commands at scene plus Highways Agency Silver.
STOP PRESS - The TIM Bulletin Team has heard that the debrief for the exercise has now occurred. Once the cold debrief learning points are on the Traffic Operations Actions Spreadsheet (TOAS) we will be able to disseminate more information. This means that the maximum is gained from the learning that has occurred during the exercise.
Severe Weather Exercises
Although strictly speaking outside of the remit of the TIM Bulletin, there have been a number of Severe Weather Exercises across England. The largest of these exercises to occur to date were the two in the North Region. The exercises tested the multi-agency response to strong winds, flooding and of course traditional winter conditions.
Over 170 people participated in the two north region exercises and recent information indicates there will be substantial learning coming from them. Typically the learning points are similar to those found during post incident cold debriefs:
- Communication issues
- Command and Control issues
- Making best use of early information (forward planning)
- Customer Welfare
The main feedback from the Severe Weather exercises will be via the Highways Agency Winter Lessons Learnt Group.
Future Exercises
Current information indicates the exercises are becoming increasingly common so keep you eye on the TIM Bulletin for the latest feedback and learning points. Next month we may publish a full article about the North Weald exercise depending on the debrief findings. Don't forget that exercise findings should go on to TOAS to ensure learning points and good practice is captured and disseminated.
Has this article been worthwhile reading? Why not take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts or questions. Please e-mail TIMbulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk.
