Feature
M62 - Your Local History
A lot of finds were uncovered during the archaeological evaluation carried out for the M62 Junction 6 Improvement scheme so we thought it would be nice to provide an interactive website so you can see what we found.
Feature
Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions
Quick Links
Don't Cross or Walk Along Motorways
The Highways Agency aims to make more people aware of the dangers of walking or crossing our motorway. We have launched a poster and radio campaign aimed at 16-25yr olds. Hopefully with our hard hitting posters, our message will come across.
Educating tomorrow's drivers
See how we are driving through key messages about safety on our network for the drivers of tomorrow.
Meet the Ancestors
Find out about the history of roads and the work the Agency does to preserve archaeological remains.
See when traffic will be lightest
Our traffic forecaster can help get you there quicker
.jpg)
Why the Highways Agency has Traffic Officers
Traffic Officer Powers - History
The Government's New Deal for Transport in 1998 set out the Highways Agency's change of focus to become network operator. The Highways Agency and the Police commissioned a review, and in the November 2002 final report, it revealed that there was a strong case for the transfer of general traffic and road management tasks away from the police, thus allowing them to concentrate on tackling crime, investigating collisions and enforcing the law.
Traffic Management Act
On July 22 2004 the Traffic Management Bill successfully completed the Parliamentary process and received Royal Assent, becoming the Traffic Management Act 2004. This new legislation provides newly created Traffic Officers with special powers so that they are able to perform certain traffic management tasks previously carried out by the police. The new powers allow Traffic Officers to:
- Stop traffic and close roads, lanes and carriageways
- Direct and divert traffic and pedestrians
- Place and operate traffic signs
- Manage traffic at traffic surveys. These involve stopping vehicles and asking drivers about their journeys. The information from these surveys is used to develop and plan future investment in the transport system.
- The same power as police have under section 67 (1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
- Your guide to the Traffic Management Act
- Explanatory notes which accompany the Act
Traffic Officers do not have police powers and our vehicles are not classed as emergency vehicles. The only vehicles which are permitted to be fitted with and display blue lights are those classified as emergency vehicles such as the police, fire and rescue and ambulance services.
The role of the Traffic Officer is to deal with routine incidents on the network and to assist the emergency services by dealing with traffic management at more serious incidents. In order to undertake these duties Traffic Officers have been permitted to use red and amber warning lights since 2004. This has been authorised under a special order of the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 44. Highways Agency Traffic Officers have the powers to arrange for the removal of damaged or abandoned vehicles. In addition they also:
- Check on anyone who has broken down and whether they have adequate arrangements for breakdown assistance in place (however they are not a breakdown service)
- Remove dangerous debris from the carriageway
