Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/74

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Incident management plans and procedures should take account of all road users likely to be affected by both the incident and the management of that incident. In emergency situations it may not always be possible to account for the needs of vulnerable road users (including the physically and visually impaired), however consideration should be given to addressing their needs in the event that such a situation continues for an appreciable length of time.

The Highway Authority shall ensure that sufficient resources are available, and that the relevant staff are trained and competent, to assist the emergency services when requested to provide ETM for its roads.

In an emergency, temporary traffic management complying with the principles included in Part 1: Design may not always be possible. In such circumstances it may be necessary for those dealing with an incident to deploy emergency traffic management (ETM) using such limited traffic management resources as are available to them upon arrival at the incident. The requirements of the Safety at Street Works and Road Works – A Code of Practice should be complied with for incidents on roads which are the responsibility of the Highway Authority.

Emergency traffic management shall only be deployed to:
 * provide short-term protection to those dealing with or involved in the incident;
 * prevent escalation of the incident;
 * protect and give direction to other traffic approaching the scene;
 * protect the scene of a crime until such time as the police take over; or
 * help manage incident-related congestion.

The primary aim of any ETM shall be to provide immediate basic guidance to road users and to create a sterile area for the protection of those involved with an incident. As with all traffic management, drivers should be given sufficient advance warning of an obstruction, so that they can adjust the speed and position of their vehicles on the road, in order to pass the obstruction in safety.

Several highway authorities operate teams to provide a fast response to incidents. Various terms are used for these teams, including Incident Support Units (ISUs), which is the term used in this document, and Emergency Response Teams (ERTs). The teams, however, will have broadly the same function. The main functions of the teams are:
 * to attend and help clear minor incidents when requested by police or traffic officer;
 * supplement ETM when requested to do so by police or traffic officer;
 * undertake highway maintenance safety patrols and safety inspections;
 * assess asset damage and clear minor debris; and 72