The closure of roads for hours after an accident is becoming a serious problem for the haulage industry. It is difficult enough to run an efficient transport operation and delivery on time. But now roads are increasingly being closed for hours, or even days, after a major accident.
This has a disastrous effect on the industry as trucks are stuck in huge queues with no chance of taking an alternative route. Drivers run out of hours and an operator’s whole schedule falls to pieces.
I recall that a few years ago at a FTA conference, a senior policeman said that major accidents, particularly those involving fatalities, are now treated as a crime scene.
This is understandable, but not practical. All to often roads are kept closed for an excessive time.
The Police clearly need enough time to investigate, and clear the road. But they need to keep the closure time to a minimum
A letter in the Daily Telegraph sums up the issue very well. That said: “Sir - I was stuck in motionless traffic on the M4 recently and realised there had been an accident. The radio told us that the air ambulance had taken the victims to hospital and that some investigations needed to be carried out. Yet what about the welfare of the people who were left stationary between junctions 14 and 15 for four hours until dark?
People were walking up and down the carriageway between the cars and on the hard shoulder, many exercising themselves, dogs and small children. There was always the risk from traffic in the opposite direction but it was not reasonable to expect us to stay cooped up in our vehicles when we had no idea for how long.

I particularly felt for those with children, and the elderly. There was no refreshment for anyone except what some happened to have with them. Most had at some time climbed over fences seeking privacy to relieve themselves, risking injury in the process. If it had been a hot day many could have collapsed from dehydration.

Surely there should be some rule that considers the welfare of those in the queue and enough space cleared to take the traffic round the accident and/or off the motorway, albeit slowly, no matter how bad it is?

Read the full letter (Procedures that close roads for hours)