National Guidance Framework for Operational Activities

Contents

 

National Guidance Framework for Operational Activities

Foreword

This National Guidance Framework establishes a basis for cooperation between the Highways Agency ("the Agency"), as the operator of Motorways and All-Purpose Trunk Roads in England ("the Core Network"), the Executive Members of the Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee (TOCC)(The Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee 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.) representing Local Highway Authorities (LHAs) in England and Traffic Information Services (TiS) Limited as the designated provider of Traffic Control Centre (TCC) services.

We recommend that the general principles described in this document are adopted as the guidance framework to be used for negotiations and agreement with each Local Highway Authority. The spirit of these agreements will be developed to maximise benefit to the travelling public using both the Agency's Core Network and the LHA road network. This agreement and subsequent Detailed Local Operating Agreements are expected to be only the start of an operational relationship between TiS and LHAs that will be developed and strengthened in response to operational experience, for the benefit of all parties and "most importantly" for the travelling public.

The National Guidance Framework is signed by:

This and other related TCC Project documentation do not constitute legally binding agreements or commitments between any party but are intended to provide a basis for the voluntary partnership arrangements to be developed between TiS and LHAs.

Foreword

Executive Summary

The prime objective of operating the TCC is to reduce the effects of congestion on England's Core Network caused by incidents and planned events by informing the travelling public about network conditions.A new national Traffic Control Centre is being constructed to provide extensive traffic information services, including advice on wide-area diversions for Core Network traffic.

In the pursuit of a seamless collaborative delivery of services to the travelling public, TiS will need to work in close partnership with organisations involved in the management of the non-Core Network as well as for the Core Network. This includes LHAs, the police, other highway authorities, other network operators, information service providers and many others. The development of this NGF provides the foundation for future cooperation and coordination between TiS and those LHAs where a mutual interest exists for network management purposes.

TiS operations will not directly impact on local traffic management, which will still be managed by LHAs. Any diversion of traffic by TiS will be restricted to Core Network routes and will not take place on the local road network except in exceptional circumstances and by mutual agreement with the relevant LHA(s).

TiS can provide assistance to an LHA by providing timely and accurate, information on traffic conditions and planned events on the Core Network. This includes dissemination of early, accurate information to LHAs that will enhance confidence in network management decision making processes, help to reduce adverse customer comment and engender widespread appreciation of the services provided.

Information available from TiS will give local traffic managers the ability to plan ahead and anticipate the development of unplanned events resulting in environmental and financial benefits with congestion and delay minimised.

Further help will be available to LHAs, including:

The development and delivery of these services will require assistance from many organisations, including LHAs. In this context, it is recommended that LHAs take this opportunity to influence and contribute to this process in order to derive the maximum operational benefit.

TiS will deliver the project objectives to the overarching policy set by the Agency. Development of operational partnerships between TiS and other organisations - including LHAs in England, the police, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales - is crucial to the success of this project.

The objective is to develop positive, day-to-day close relationships with LHAs and others to provide a seamless service to the mutual customer, the travelling public.

To help achieve the objectives, TiS requests from LHAs the provision of planned and unplanned event information on those parts of the LHA network likely to affect the Core Network.

This NGF has had active involvement of LHA bodies throughout its development. It provides a foundation for the working relationships to be established and maintained between TiS and those LHAs where a mutual interest exists for network management purposes. Detailed Local Operating Agreements (DLOAs) will be made with each of these LHAs to confirm working arrangements. These will be reviewed with these LHAs at least annually.

This NGF establishes the principles of the operational partnership required between TiS and these LHAs. It reflects the principles that the TOCC Executive recommends for adoption by individual LHAs and covers issues of national significance and policy related to the operation of the TCC.

Executive Summary

1. Preamble

1.1 The National Guidance Framework and Detailed Local Operating Agreements

This document sets out the principles behind the development of operational relationships between LHAs and TiS. It explains how TiS will develop the TCC operations in partnership with LHAs. Background information giving further details about the TCC Project may be found in the booklet "The Highway's Agency's Traffic Control Centre Project" For availability of this booklet see the contact details at the end of this document (section 4).

1.1.1 The National Guidance Framework

This NGF document is a tri-partite agreement, made between the Executive of the Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC)(The TOCC Executive comprises representatives of CSS, the Core Cities Group and the Technical Advisers Group (TAG).), representing Local Highway Authorities (LHAs)(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), the Highways Agency ("the Agency") and Traffic Information Services (TiS) Limited ("TCC Company") relating to the operation of the Agency's National Traffic Control Centre (TCC). A glossary of terms and abbreviations is found in Annex C.

The scope of the partnerships to be developed between TiS and LHAs is defined within a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which can be found in Annex D. The MoU is a precursor to this NGF and sets out the guiding principles for the preparation of Detailed Local Operating Agreements (DLOAs) with each LHA, where a mutual interest exists for strategic traffic management purposes.

The relationship between the MoU, NGF and DLOA documents is illustrated in Figure 1 below.

The relationship between the MoU, NGF and DLOA

Figure 1 - The relationship between the MoU, NGF and DLOAMemorandum of UnderstandingDetailed Local Operating AgreementsNational Guidance Framework

1.1.2 Detailed Local Operating Agreements

DLOAs will be the working documents tailored to meet the needs of individual LHAs and will describe the procedures, protocols and communication methods that will used by each LHA and TiS in exchanging and acting upon operational information between the LHA and TiS.

1.1.3 Other Highway Authorities

It is recognised that practical working relationships also need to be established with Other Highway Authorities (OHAs), which includes control centres in Scotland and Wales where cross-border issues exist. Representatives from the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales were closely involved in the consultative process for development of this NGF and TiS will continue this partnership through development and agreement of DLOAs with each of these organisations.

1.1.4 Other Interested Parties

In addition to LHAs, it is recognised that the TCC Project will involve a wide range of Other Interested Parties (OIPs) including the police, the Agency's Maintaining Agents, DBFO operators, major traffic generators (e.g. regional shopping centres) and others. TiS will develop operating arrangements with these groups to ensure that all aspects of Core Network operation are fully coordinated.

1.2 Background

1.2.1 Purpose of the TCC

The prime function of the TCC is to collect, process and distribute strategic (wide-area) traffic information for the Core Network to assist the travelling public in planning their journeys. This includes the setting of roadside variable message signs (VMS) using pre-agreed protocols. The TCC will also support the Agency and its operational partners in optimising the use, management and operation of the network. A plan showing the extent of the network is included at the end of this section.

1.2.2 Policy Context

The TCC Project has been developed by the Agency to meet the objectives of the Government White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone".

The relevant Agency policy objectives are:

1.2.3 Operating the TCC

TiS will design, implement and operate the national Traffic Control Centre for a period of ten years from August 2001. However, TCC operations are expected to continue far beyond this period.

Operations are expected to start during 2003 and the TCC is anticipated to be fully operational in early 2004.

TiS will operate under policy guidance from the Agency and its contract requires it to develop and agree the operational practices described in this NGF and the subsequent DLOAs to be agreed with each LHA.

1.2.4 Operational Partners

In addition to close operating partnerships with LHAs, TiS will develop other partnerships with the Police Service, Other Highway Authorities (OHAs), Highways Agency related bodies and other interested parties including other network operators, and the media and information service providers. The role of LHAs in their traffic management activities on the network for which they are responsible will not be changed by the implementation of the TCC Project. The TCC will be responsible for new wide-area strategic traffic information systems on the Core Network only, but it is expected that the exchange of accurate up-to-date information will assist LHAs in their network management activities.

1.2.5 Traffic Operations Co-ordinating Committee (TOCC)

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

1.2.6 Briefing and Awareness Activities

In October 2001, a series of Partnership Information Days were organised for LHAs, with briefings and presentations to raise awareness of the TCC Project. These events were held on a regional basis.

1. Preamble

2. Set-Up Phase and Development of DLOAS

Effective TCC operations will require the establishment of operational partnership arrangements between TiS and LHAs. To be successful, the partnerships need to be of mutual benefit to all parties. During the set-up phase, TiS will develop a close dialogue with individual LHAs, with the objective of securing DLOAs as anticipated in the TCC Memorandum of Understanding (see Annex D) and based upon the principles identified in this NGF.

2.1 Purpose of the Set-up Phase

It is recognised that effective TCC operations can only be achieved through successful operational partnership arrangements with LHAs.

The responsibilities of LHAs in relation to local road networks are not altered in any way by the introduction of the TCC. TiS recognises that it must develop effective partnerships with LHAs. The aim will be to provide wide-area strategic network management that can, wherever practicable, support and enhance LHA activities, as well as deliver TCC Project services on behalf of the Agency.

To achieve this, it is necessary for both parties to have access to the most up-to-date and accurate network information, and the set-up phase will highlight the key areas involved in this process. TiS will develop and agree the working arrangements, including access to and effective use of existing systems and services. The end product of this process will be a DLOA with each LHA for which a mutual interest exists for network management purposes. The DLOA will describe in detail the working arrangements for information exchange and management of the respective networks. However, it is also recognised that the DLOA will continuously evolve in the light of practical operational experience, and procedures will be put in place to ensure that each DLOA is maintained to accurately reflect the operational requirements of both parties.

2.2 Process for Agreeing DLOAs

Figure 2 depicts the major components and processes required for the DLOAS. It indicates the sequence of development for the DLOAS working from the centre outwards. These topics are discussed below. For details of the scheduling of these processes, see Annex B.

Figure 2: Process for agreeing DLOAs

1 - Understanding the TCC project2 - Spirit of Co-operation3 - Understanding Existing Operations4 - Communication Systems5 - Network Referencing6 - Operational PlanningProcess for agreeing DLOAs

Figure 2 - Process for agreeing DLOAs

2.2.1 Understanding the TCC Project

For the DLOA meetings, each LHA is encouraged to make available suitable personnel to enable DLOAs to be developed and agreed within the programme defined by TiS (TiS is undertaking discussions with the majority of LHAs in England, and with other organisations throughout the UK. To manage this large-scale undertaking effectively, it is necessary for TiS to carry out a pre-arranged plan of LHA meetings throughout the liaison period to provide adequate notice to all parties). It is suggested that the LHA nominates a member of staff to assist in coordinating the development of the DLOA on behalf of the LHA and to act as the primary contact with TiS. TiS will arrange the meetings with LHAs at mutually convenient times, will provide secretarial support and will be responsible for progressing and delivering the DLOAs. The scope of these discussions will reflect the involvement in, and importance of, local traffic management activities by the individual LHA and the relationship of these activities to Core Network management activities.

TiS will continue to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the TCC project is made known to LHA representatives.

2.2.2 Spirit of Co-operation

In order to build a firm foundation for effective agreement and coordination with LHAs, there needs to be a spirit of cooperation between TiS and LHAs that arises from a mutual understanding and appreciation of the key issues from each organisation's perspective which will then be used to build effective operational agreements.

2.2.3 Understanding Existing Operations

To develop the partnership, each LHA is encouraged to exchange with TiS the information required for successful implementation of the TCC Project and the establishment of DLOAs. By understanding the operations better TiS will be able to make more appropriate suggestions for the partnership. LHAs are not expected to supply information that can reasonably be obtained from other sources, including the Agency.

2.2.4 Communication Systems

Information exchange between TiS and an LHA may be undertaken via any convenient and available media that is practicable, including system-to-system links, remote terminal systems, telephone, fax, e-mail, and the Travel Information Highway (TIH) where appropriate. The implementation, development and operational responsibility for any new or existing LHA systems to exchange data with TiS will be defined in agreements made under the DLOA process.

TiS will ensure that any data protection issues are dealt with in accordance with the appropriate contractual and legal obligations. TiS will comply with relevant current UK and European legal requirements for data protection.

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

2.2.5 Network Referencing

TiS will make available to an LHA facility(s) to translate from the network referencing system(s) used by the LHA to that used by TiS 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.

2.2.6 Operations Planning

Once the organisation arrangements are in place and there is a mutual understanding of the respective operations the next phase can be developed. This phase will cover operational and system planning. It will be further developed into operational procedures that will be fully implemented on the TCC service start date. These procedures will be trialled prior to service start date to ensure practical integrity. In order to place operational planning in its proper context, Table 1 illustrates the operational roles and responsibilities of TiS, the police and LHAs.

Tis The Police The LHA
Supporting event planning. Event planning. Event planning.
Monitoring of the Core Network for wide area strategic traffic management. Monitoring of all networks for incident management. Monitoring of the LHA network for traffic management.
Supporting Police in incident management for the Core Network and for LHA networks that interact with the Core Network. Providing relevant incident information to LHAs for their networks and to TiS where it has an impact on the Core Network. Supporting Police in incident management for LHA network and providing TiS with information where it has an impact on the Core Network.
Controlling VMS for wide area strategic traffic management purposes. Continuing to control VMS and signals for incident management and safety purposes. Coordinating LHA VMS signs and signals with TiS.
Setting wide-area diversions within Core Network for strategic traffic management purposes. Continuing to implement emergency local diversions for incident management purposes. Managing emergency local diversions within the LHA network.
Providing strategic traffic information to media etc, advising on trunk road conditions and alternative routes. Continuing to provide to the media etc non-traffic information on all roads and traffic information on the LHA network. Providing traffic information to media etc, advising on local road conditions and alternative routes.

Table 1 - Summary of Operational Roles and Responsibilities

2.2.6.1 Overarching Principles
TiS will make every effort to minimise the LHA resource required to successfully agree DLOAs.

TiS 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. TiS will recommend, if required, appropriate systems that may be needed to acquire this data. These systems will not be provided as part of the TCC Project.

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 Core 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.

It is recognised that there may be many existing arrangements in place for the exchange of traffic information, for example with the Agency's managing agents. TiS will harmonise with and build on these relationships.

2.2.6.2 Traffic Monitoring

TiS will have access to images from the HA's CCTV cameras that are used by local police forces for monitoring of the Core Network. Procedures will be 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.

In the pursuit of a seamless collaborative delivery of services to the travelling public, the preferred approach is for joint access with local police forces to respective CCTV images. The extent to which this can occur will depend on existing arrangements, technical practicalities, future developments (The potential for access to CCTV images on the Core Network by LHAs and other organisations is currently under development as part of the Agency's Video Information Highway (VIH) Project) and organisational considerations.

Consultations with LHAs have highlighted circumstances where existing agreements are in place for LHA access to cameras on the Core Network, and it is not expected that these agreements will change without prior agreement with the LHAs concerned.

Some LHAs have access to and control of CCTV cameras on their local highway network that may be of interest to TiS in assisting with management of the Core Network. In such cases, TiS will be responsible for implementation and development of any new or existing systems for TiS to receive CCTV images from an LHA.

2.2.6.3 Response to Events

LHAs will have the opportunity to request from TiS details of any strategic responses to be implemented on the Core Network that are likely to impact upon the LHA network.

TiS will work in co-operation with LHAs to identify opportunities for effective traffic management involving diversion of traffic from the LHA network onto the Core 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, TiS will take appropriate account of the views of the LHA and, where relevant, advise local police force(s) of the views of the LHA. This is expected to involve meetings with all the relevant parties (including TiS, LHA(s), police force(s), event organisers and others as required) to agree strategies for network management during the course of the event.

LHAs likely to be affected by strategic traffic management responses on the Core Network will be advised when the response is implemented. TiS will advise LHAs of any changes in strategic responses when the change is implemented.

Current arrangements for emergency local diversions on the LHA network will remain in place, as the responsibility of the individual LHA in collaboration with the local police force, neighbouring LHA(s) and others as appropriate.

Any diversion of traffic by TiS will be restricted to Core Network routes and will not take place upon the local road network. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Agency give authority to TiS to collaborate with LHAs and the local police force to discuss and agree the use of LHA network routes for strategic diversion 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 TiS agree that specific circumstances require a different approach (Normally, all key junctions on the Core Network with the potential to be used for strategic diversions will be equipped with two strategic VMS half a mile apart on the approach to the junction. One of the signs will have the potential for tactical (i.e. incident management) over-ride).

2.2.6.4 Dissemination of Information

TiS will provide traffic information related only to the 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, TiS and the LHA will co-ordinate traffic information passed to third parties to ensure consistency.

2. Set-Up Phase and Development of DLOAS

3. Operations Phase

3.1 Introduction

The operations phase will begin when TiS has completed its preparations. This includes the building of the new TCC building, installation of additional measurement equipment and VMS, and development of the computer system.

It is recognised that this 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 TiS and LHA 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 TiS and LHA resource utilisation for the continuous improvement of services to the travelling public.

One of the aims of the TCC Project is to improve the service through a process of continuous review, reflected in Figure 3 below.

Day to Day Operations (Service Provisions)Detailed Local Operating Agreement (DLOA) Annual ReviewContinuous ImprovementProblem Identification: Post Event EvaluationNational Guidance Framework ReviewElements of the Operations Phase

Figure 3 - Elements of the Operations Phase

3.2 Service Provision

3.2.1 TiS Services to LHAs

TiS can provide assistance to an LHA where requested and within the scope of the provisions of the TCC Agreement with the Agency. The scope and extent of assistance provided by TiS to each LHA will be described in the appropriate DLOA.

3.2.1.1 Primary Services

TiS will make the following services available to an LHA:

3.2.1.2 Additional Services

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

3.2.2 LHA Services to TiS

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

3.3 Day-to-Day Operations

Once operational, the TiS operators will work in accordance with the DLOAs and to the guidelines laid down in this NGF. These will all be agreed on an individual basis with each LHA before implementation. On a day-to-day basis they will be monitoring traffic on the network, liaising with LHAs and other parties and setting strategic responses where needed.

It is considered essential to develop a constructive relationship at the operational level, to understand the key elements for successful operation as well as finding effective solutions to any challenges that arise.

3.4 Evaluation and Review

3.4.1 NGF Review

All parties acknowledge that the policies of LHAs and of the Agency, and the needs of TiS, will change over time. This NGF will be the subject of review as the need is identified by any of the parties, to incorporate any necessary changes. Changes affecting the NGF will be reflected in associated changes to the DLOAs.

3.4.2 DLOA Review

The DLOA will be an arrangement with an individual LHA, and the Agency's role in the process will be one of observer to ensure that the conditions of the TCC Agreement with the Agency are met and that there is no conflict with Agency policy.

TiS and individual LHAs will review operational methods, practices and procedures in order to identify and/or share best practice, and to address any points of concern. TiS 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.

As part of the review process, TiS will provide to an LHA a statistical report outlining the previous year's operational activities between the LHA and TiS (e.g. number of incidents on the Core Network in LHA area, number of occasions when strategies were implemented). TiS will define the content and format of this report.

3.4.3 Resolution of Issues

In the event of any outstanding issues between TiS and a LHA that cannot be resolved by those parties, the Agency's TCC Contract Manager will endeavour to facilitate a solution.

3. Operations Phase

Contacts

For further information or copies of the documents mentioned in this document contact the following:

For copies of this NGF:

Liaison Manager, TiS

TiS Kirkleatham
The Innovation Centre
Vienna Court
Kirkleatham Business Park
Redcar
TS10 5SH

Tel: 01642 777 865
Fax: 01642 777 853

E-mail: tis.liaison@tcc.serco.com

For details of Highways Agency policy and copies of the TCC Project brochure:

TCC Operating Partnerships Manager

The Highways Agency
Room C8
5 Broadway
Broad Street
Birmingham
B15 1BL

Tel: 08459 556 575
Fax: 0121 678 8160

E-mail: tcc@highways.gsi.gov.uk

Contacts

Annexes

  1. The Agency's Core Network
  2. Process for Agreeing and Reviewing Partnering Agreements
  3. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
  4. Memorandum of Understanding
  5. Terms of Reference for the TOCC
  6. Responsibilities of the Highways Agency
  7. Responsibilities of TCC Company

Annex A - The Agency's Core Network

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Annex B - Process for Agreeing and Reviewing Partnering Agreements

Annex B

Annex C - Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

The Agency The Highways Agency.

The Highways Agency is part of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR). It maintains, operates and improves England's trunk road and motorway network (the strategic road network) and includes Highways Agency Related Bodies, such as the Agency's Agents, Contractors and Network Operators on the Core Network.

Core Cities Group

The seven English Core Cities (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield) have come together to form a vision of the distinctive role that the big cities must play in national and regional life in the future. The Core Cities fulfill this role by:

Core Network

The Agency's motorway and trunk road network to be operated under the TCC Project, as defined in the TCC Agreement.

CSS

CSS was formerly known as The County Surveyors' Society. It has members drawn from Strategic Transportation and Waste Disposal authorities throughout the United Kingdom including Shire Counties and Unitary Authorities in England and Wales and the DOE in Northern Ireland, plus an affiliation with the Scottish Unitary Authorities. Its aims are the representation of members' interests, by responding to European and Central Government initiatives and consultations, by promoting initiatives aimed at influencing government policy and the development and dissemination of best practices.

DLOA Detailed Local Operating Agreement.

The over-arching principles as defined in the LHA NGFs are expected to remain the same nationally, but variations in traffic operations exist from one local area to another. To accommodate this, DLOAs will be drafted with each local organisation, which will outline procedures and practices for effective operations between TiS and an individual LHA.

LHA Local Highway Authority,

otherwise referred to as "Local Transport Authority". A Local Authority in England responsible for local roads under relevant legislation. A "Local Authority" is defined as 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.

NGF National Guidance Framework.

The principles governing operation of the TCC will be defined by this LHA National Guidance Framework (NGF) agreement, and subsequent updates. The NGF provides guidelines and a starting point for the detailed local agreements needed to define operations between TiS and each LHA.

NRSWA

New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

OHA

Other Highway Authority. An organisation other than an LHA or OIP with operational responsibility for a section of highway or a highway network and which may have an interest in operational liaison with TiS, or be of operational interest to TiS. This includes, for example, the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Executive.

OIP

Other Interested Party. An organisation other than an LHA, OHA or Highways Agency Related Body with an interest in operational liaison with TiS, or of operational interest to TiS. This includes, for example, airport authorities, port authorities, regional shopping centres and statutory undertakers.

TAG

Local Government Technical Advisors Group. TAG generally comprises directors or departmental heads responsible for the provision of technical services within many Local Governments throughout the UK, including architecture, town planning, engineering, environmental health, leisure and housing. TAG's main aim is to provide technical advisory services to local and central government and its agencies and to provide a professional network for the development and dissemination of best practice.

TCC

Traffic Control Centre. The traffic control centre to be established, operated and maintained by TiS under the TCC Agreement.

TCC Co

Traffic Information Services (TiS) Limited. A company owned by Serco which will operate the TCC utilising TiS personnel in partnership with the Agency and under policies set by the Agency.

TfL

Transport for London. TfL is an executive body of the Greater London Authority, reporting to the Mayor of London who is also Chair of TfL's Board. It is responsible for delivering the Mayor's integrated transport strategy, in close working partnership with the London boroughs and the Strategic Rail Authority. It currently includes London Buses, London River Services, Tramlink, Docklands Light Railway, Public Carriage Office (responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing), Street Management and Victoria Coach Station. London Underground will become part of TfL in due course.

TIH

Travel Information Highway. TiS will implement an internet-based TIH to provide a market for traffic information and data and allow open exchange of data on the transport network. Users will form a Travel Information Community, including members from the Police Service, LHAs, public transport operators (e.g. rail, bus), information service providers and the media.

Value-Added Service Providers (VASPs) will be able to obtain data via the TIH and process it ("add value") to make it more accessible to users, with the opportunity to provide additional or enhanced services (e.g. route planning). They will also support a wide range of delivery mechanisms including the world wide web, mobile phones, WAP and Digital Audio Broadcasting.

TiS

The consortium comprising TCC Co, Serco Limited and Serco Limited's sub-contractors.

TOCC

Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee. This committee was formed to bring together representatives from LHAs and OHAs across the country to provide the opportunity to raise issues arising during the implementation and operation of the TCC. The committee is managed by the TOCC Executive (comprising representatives from CSS, Core Cities Group and TAG) and includes representation from the Agency and TiS as well as TfL, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and others as required.

VIH

Video Information Highway. A Highways Agency project to investigate and develop the potential for using the Agency's broadband network for widespread dissemination of CCTV images.

VMS

Variable Message Sign or signs to be used by TiS for strategic management of traffic on the Core Network.

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Annex D - Memorandum of Understanding

The Highways Agency
Traffic Control Centre Project
Memorandum of Understanding between the Highways Agency, CSS, the Core Cities Group, Technical Advisors Group and TCC Company
Introduction

1. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is made between the Highways Agency for England ("the Agency"), Traffic Information Services (TiS) Limited ("TCC Company") and the Executive members of the Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee (TOCC) (The TOCC seeks to coordinate the views of LHAs and OHAs regarding operational liaison issues with the TCC. This also includes liaison with the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales), comprising representatives from the Core Cities Group, CSS and the Technical Advisors Group (TAG). It provides a framework for co-operation between the Agency, TCC Company and Local Highway Authorities (LHAs) and Other Highway Authorities (OHAs) in respect of the operation of the Agency's Traffic Control Centre (TCC).

2. For the purpose of this MoU, 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.

3. Where OHAs are not specifically mentioned in this MoU, reference to LHAs also includes OHAs.

4. A TCC will be established and operated by TCC Company working under the direction of the Agency through a ten-year contract.

5. This MoU is made with the purpose of facilitating the strategic management of traffic by TCC on the Agency's strategic road network (the Project Network).

6. This MoU is intended as a precursor to the preparation of a National Guidance Framework (NGF). The NGF will set guidelines for the preparation of Detailed Local Operating Agreements (DLOAs) with individual LHAs.

7. TCC Company is required to establish DLOAs with LHAs individually or in groups as appropriate in accordance with the terms of the TCC contract, reproduced in Annex 3 to this MoU.

8. Requirements for regional or local meetings with LHAs are not specified and will be arranged by TCC Company or the Agency as the need arises, e.g. debriefing following major incidents to improve best practice.

9. The TCC will be responsible for strategic traffic management on the Project Network. The Police Service will remain responsible for incident management on the Project Network, including emergency local diversions.

10. The TOCC comprises representatives of the Highways Agency, TCC Company, Local Highway Authorities in England (LHAs) and other Highway Authorities (OHAs). It provides a forum to establish and monitor a framework for, and to make recommendations on the co-ordination agreements and operational procedures between the TCC, LHAs, and OHAs. The terms of reference for the TOCC are defined in Annex 1 to this MoU. The responsibilities of the Agency with regard to TCC are defined in Annex 2.

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Agreed Principles

11. The TOCC Executive will use its best endeavours, during the life of the TCC contract to co-ordinate responses of LHAs in dialogue with the Agency and TCC Company concerning national policies for operation of the TCC.

12. The TOCC (representing LHAs) and the Agency will jointly use their best endeavours to agree and promote national policies for operation of the TCC.

Data and Information Exchange

13. Operational information will be freely exchanged, at no charge, between TCC and LHAs. However, that information will only be used to inform decision-making and will not be passed on or sold to any Third Party without prior agreement.

14. Information 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 TCC and LHAs may eventually be via an internet-based Travel Information Highway (TIH). To this end, the TOCC Executive, the Agency and TCC Company will use their best endeavours to promote the TIH, encouraging the use of it by LHAs.

15. The Agency and the TOCC have also agreed that the TIH is one of the means of transmitting operational data and information, and to serve the requirements of Value Added Service Providers (VASPs)(Value Added Service Providers are any suppliers of services or products which use or contain traffic data, including any Associate and Contracting Associate of TCC Company).

16. The interface, presentation and format of data from on-line active systems shall be subject to individual agreements between TCC Company and each LHA. These systems may include databases, monitoring equipment, traffic control systems etc.

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Strategic Diversions

17. Where suitable routes are available, LHAs may enter into negotiations with TCC Company to determine if benefits would be derived from the use of non trunk roads for strategic diversions. Where it is agreed that an LHA link may be used, the operational procedures shall be agreed between TCC Company and the relevant LHA(s).

18. Where it is practicable to do so, TCC Company will display agreed messages on its VMS at the request of neighbouring LHAs. Similarly, LHAs that have suitably located VMS will, where practical, display messages at the request of the TCC. The TOCC will work with the Agency, the Police Service and TCC Company to agree a framework of procedures to govern priorities for the shared use of VMS.

Annex E: Terms of Reference for the TOCC

1. A committee consisting of representatives of the Highways Agency, TCC Company and Local Highway Authorities in England (LHAs) has been formed to keep under review co-ordination agreements and operational procedures between the Traffic Control Centre (TCC) and LHAs. The committee is known as the Traffic Operations Coordinating Committee (TOCC).

2. The TOCC will be convened jointly by the Executive Members of the TOCC ("TOCC Executive" - see item 3 below) and the Highways Agency under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Highways Agency, TCC Company and the TOCC.

3. The TOCC will be constituted as follows:

4. Members will be invited as required from other bodies with a direct interest in strategic traffic management on the motorway and trunk road network in England, Scotland and Wales including, but not necessarily limited to:

5. The secretariat to the TOCC will be provided by TCC Company.

6. Membership of the TOCC may be reviewed jointly by the TOCC Executive, the Agency and TCC Company as required.

7. The TOCC chairman will be elected by the TOCC from one of the TOCC Executive. This election process shall occur as the need arises, but shall take place at least annually.

8. Once the TCC is operational, the TOCC will meet at least annually to consider a report, to be prepared by TCC Company, on the operation of procedures and agreements in place with LHAs (see Annex 3 of the MoU). The format and content of the report will be agreed between TCC Company and the Agency. This report may be disseminated to LHAs at the discretion of the Agency and the TOCC Executive.

9. These terms of reference for the TOCC may be reviewed and altered by joint agreement of the TOCC Executive, TCC Company and the Agency. The secretariat shall maintain up-to-date terms of reference.

10. The TOCC may be suspended or wound up by mutual consent of the Agency and the TOCC Executive.

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Annex f: Responsibilities of the Highways Agency

1. The Agency is charged with performing the duties and responsibilities of the Highway Authority for motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England, on behalf of the Secretary of State. The Agency retains full responsibility for policy regarding traffic management on this network.

2. The Agency will have due regard to LHAs in setting policy regarding traffic management on this network.

3. The Agency has entered into a contract with TCC Company for the delivery of all TCC services.

4. The Agency undertakes to facilitate local agreements between TCC Company and individual LHAs.

5. In the event of any dispute or failure to reach an agreement between TCC Company and an individual LHA on a matter concerning TCC Company operations, the Agency will use its best endeavours to work with all parties to seek a mutually acceptable resolution.

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Annex G: Responsibilities of TCC Company

1. TCC Company will prepare and agree Detailed Local Operating Agreements (DLOAs) which will define how the TCC will operate with each LHA or group of LHAs. These DLOAs will cover all protocols and procedures for operational, routine and other liaison between TCC Company and LHAs and OHAs and will include the following:

a) the principal contact names and telephone numbers for LHAs, OHAs and TCC Company;

b) the procedures to be followed for communications between TCC Company and the LHA and OHA, and vice-versa;

c) the methods and procedures to be used for the prompt, accurate and reliable exchange of information about planned and unplanned events that may affect the operation of the Project Network; in particular the role of the TIH;

d) the content and format of information exchange between TCC Company and the LHA and OHA;

e) the occasions when TCC Company will obtain LHA and OHA input to the off-line development of strategic responses methods and procedures to be used;

f) the methods and procedures to be used by TCC Company in responding to requests from the LHA and OHA for display of messages on Variable Message Signs (VMS) controlled by TCC Company;

g) the development of local message sign legends for VMS;

h) the circumstances when it will be necessary to co-ordinate TCC and LHA and OHA media briefing and the procedures to be followed;

i) the opportunities, if any, to take advantage of changes in technology, systems and institutional agreements to improve communications and co-ordination between TCC Company and the LHA (for example, the potential for integrating TCC with LHA/OHA and UTMC systems);

j) the procedures for initiating diversion routing onto the Project Network from LHA roads;

k) local knowledge of conditions that may affect the operation of the Project Network, such as routine congestion, locations where there is frequently a poor level of service to road users, local names/reference points, accident black spots, the effects local driving conditions and driver behaviour have on network operations;

l) If acceptable to LHAs, the agreed use of limited non Project Network roads for strategic diversions if suitable routes are available;

m) TCC Company will arrange a meeting of the TOCC at least once a year, in accordance with Annex 1 of this MoU.

2. TCC Company hereby authorises Serco Limited to agree and sign on its behalf with LHAs and OHAs all DLOAs related to this MoU.

Annexes