Escort vehicle

The term escort vehicle is meant for a heavy transport an appropriately equipped vehicle that accompanies such a transport, to hedge the heavy transport to the back ( warning to following traffic, overtaking ), or prior to transportation to ensure the freedom of the required width of the road.

Support vehicles are a partial substitute for the security by the police. The concept of escort vehicles was developed by a former employee of the District government Koblenz after the motorway police repeatedly told that this was no longer in the position to support / protect any heavy transport.

Germany

The first test vehicle to the accompaniment of heavy vehicles was a van of the company Riga Mainz, which was provided according to the employee of the District government Koblenz with a wooden structure at the rear, on the with pull the sign could be 276 ( general overtaking ) pulled out and pushed back. Since the traffic sign was shown only during the day to recognize good, but not at night and fog, was looking for a way to make these signs more visible. This vehicle is referred to as " BF2 " ( escort vehicle of the second generation).

So the idea of ​​traffic signs, which are represented by light was to build a vehicle. Experience with such traffic signs shown by light was given to the so-called fiber optics. Result was the support vehicle with a so-called variable message sign system ( VMS ).

This vehicle is called " BF3 " ( escort vehicle of the third generation).

A simple version of an escort vehicle is any motor vehicle. Often the use of a yellow light is disposed. For the escort vehicle no yellow light permit is usually required. The yellow light should this not be entered, it is usually the approval of the heavy transport. If the yellow light is not registered, it must be either removed or covered before or after transport. For performing such a companion vehicle reaches the necessary for the vehicle to drive.

For " Run of support vehicles without traffic signs system ", no special license is required. However, basic knowledge is recommended for playing along.

Support vehicle with variable message signs conditioning

A support vehicle traffic sign system ( VMS ) must have a certain equipment. Due to the requirements of a vehicle ( Mercedes -Benz Sprinter for example Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, ) is the size of a van required, on the one by the Federal Highway Research Institute tested and approved VMS system is mounted. The lower edge of the VMS system may only begin at a height of at least 2 m from the road top. Furthermore, minimally need two yellow flashing lights ( RKL - 360 degree visible ) may be present. Must also be present on the panel at the rear of a certain area of reflex mark and a plaque with the inscription heavy transport. The VMS system must be approved and type checked in their entirety ( actual VMS system including the reflective marking on the rear ). The escort vehicle must be tested and approved as such, if it can not be accommodated by simply depleting the flashing lights in the traffic regulations -efficient state. The heavy transport companion must be in possession of a valid authorization certificate of the Federal Heavy Transport and Crane (BSK ) and be trained in the idiosyncrasies of bridge structures.

The approval authority may order, whether and how a support vehicle to transport accompanied and where additional police escort is required under § 29 Highway Code.

The support vehicle traffic sign system can be seen as a mobile traffic signs during a monitoring according to § 39 paragraph 2a Highway Code, that is, the traffic signs are shown as stationary traffic signs to be observed and may be punished for contempt as well. The traffic signs shown by the escort vehicle rely stationary traffic signs overridden.

Equipment

• VMS system foldable - as roof attachment to the rear radiation of the highway code number 101, 276, 277 with integrated lights for yellow blinking or flashing light
• Red-white hatched retroreflective vehicle rear front in foil type 2
• Folding or removable shield " SCHWERTRANSPORT " ( black letters on white background), but this ONLY during the accompanying tour; otherwise it's cover or disassemble.
• 2 beacons for flashing yellow ( beacons ) according to § 52 paragraph 4 traffic regulations

Inside

• Means of communication Phone ( car phone, cell phone )
• Mobile device
• An additional handheld radio

• 5 character 610 ( traffic cone )
• 4 acting on both sides flashing lights
• 4 deployable stand highway code number 101 ( danger area), edge length 600 mm
• 2 warning flags red / white
• 1 safety vest

Drivers

The to be used on the escort vehicles, drivers must be trained by the Federal Heavy Transport and Crane (BSK ). After successfully passing the exam, the student receives his authorization certificate, the so-called "BF -3 certificate". After a maximum of 2 years, the crew of a repetition training must undergo. It should be noted that according to the BF -3 may be driven with up imputed VMS system only by holders of a valid BF3 permission "Notes on the equipment of the private company's own escort vehicles for large and heavy loads in 1992 ". This is of particular importance for the implementation of test drives with BF -3 through workshops.

Austria

In Austria usually support vehicles provided by their own companies and largely replace a previously usually a police escort.

Escort vehicles must have either yellow light that must not be approved, or blue light, which can be mounted and used only by the approval, draw attention to themselves. In addition, most still running lights that indicate the Überholrichtung or other optical warning devices mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

The drivers need to be trained, the possession of the truck driver's license is required.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the companion and vehicles are mostly provided by private companies. The Dutch companions must be proficient in spoken and written Dutch, be resident in the Netherlands, at least 24 years old, classes B C, E, and professional driver in possession of the license. A 21- day training empowers him with police powers to regulate and A. traffic etc. In general, heavy transports are driven during the day and without a police escort in the Netherlands. Most Dutch companions are ( Vereniging transport Begeleider ) organized in VTB. The appearance and equipment of the escort vehicles is prescribed by the Dutch authorities.

Denmark

In Denmark, the companion must be in possession of a driving license C and speak Danish or English. Again, the support vehicles will be provided mainly by private companies. The use of the VMS system is to drive only with the number 101 (note ).