O8.3.5 Authority to stop on a motorway for maintenance purposes is covered by the Motorway Regulations. Inspections and surveys are covered by the Regulations which state that any inspection, survey, investigation or census is to be carried out in accordance with any general or specific authority granted by the Secretary of State. All personnel who carry out this kind of work on motorways are required to carry a pass certifying that the bearer is required to carry out the inspections etc. by authority of the Secretary of State. This pass also serves to establish the bearer’s credentials if required by the police.
O8.3.6 Any proposal to carry out an inspection on a highway, particularly a motorway, should be notified to the Highway Authority’s agent for maintenance and to the police in accordance with arrangements previously established.
O8.3.7 For all classes and speeds of road, any vehicle stopping on a highway for inspection or works purposes should be of a conspicuous colour and marking (refer to Section O5.2). It should be identifiable to traffic police (obviating the need for them to stop) by a sign "HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE" to diagram 7404 on or in the vehicle and facing the rear, and by any other vehicle identification scheme required by the Overseeing Organisation. The "HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE" sign should also be used on all-purpose roads. Vehicles should always carry a roof-mounted flashing amber beacon complying with paragraph O5.3.1.
O8.3.8 When arriving at the site the following procedures for stopping on the highway should be observed:
- manoeuvre to the left-hand traffic lane and switch on roof-mounted flashing amber beacon before starting to slow down. For the general use of roof-mounted beacons refer to paragraphs O5.3.4 and O5.3.5;
- on motorways stop on the hard shoulder as far to the left as possible, approximately 50 m in advance of the site;
- on all-purpose roads stop in any convenient lay-by, field gate entrance or side road; if stopping on a grass verge, leave sufficient space for use by pedestrians; if there is no alternative to stopping on the carriageway, park the vehicle as close to the edge as possible;
- consider adopting the “fend” position (see paragraph O7.2.78);
- if the vehicle is to remain parked on the hard shoulder of a motorway or in the carriageway of an all-purpose road, the flashing beacon should remain on for the duration of the stop unless within the confines of a fully installed traffic management layout;
- ensure that there is a minimum safety clearance between live traffic and all personnel and vehicles; see Part 1: Design, Section D3.2;
- put on a high-visibility garment (see Section O6.3) before leaving the vehicle; and
- leave the vehicle by a door on the side away from the traffic if possible, otherwise look out for approaching traffic before opening the door and alighting.
O8.3.9 While on the road the following points should be observed:
- do not run – to reduce the risk of tripping and falling;
- take particular care in climbing up and down side slopes – to avoid slipping, falling or rolling on to the carriageway; and
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