breakdown recovrey lorries

[antony1974]

can a 10 ton recovrey lorry use the fast lane iff the other 2 lanes are at a stand still and its a 3 car r.t.a for the police.

[Pea Pod]

You would have to use the Hard Shoulder, unless the police escorted you in the fast lane.

[Paul22118]

Despite the AA's claim recovery vehicles are not emergency vehicles.

The prime use of a recovery vehicle is to carry another vehicle and therefore is a goods vehicle - 'constructed or adapted for the carriage of goods.'

That weight exceeds 7.5 tonnes and therefore cannot legally use the outer lane of a motorway, be it the 3rd 4th 5th or 6th.

The emergency hard shoulder is therefore the proper place for such a vehicle to get to the scene unhindered.

Flashing amber lights cannot be used TO a scene but only AT or FROM (loaded) a scene.

PS All lanes on a motorway are 'fast' i.e. the same speed limit.

[bob57]

although there is an element of truth in pauls answer I think he has got a bit lost in the question

as peapod says the tow truck would have to use the hard shoulder unless the hard shoulder is blocked for another reason the tow truck driver would have to use the nearside lane with caution until he can get back into the hard shoulder
reason for the tow truck using the hard shoulder is to get to the rta as fast and safely as possible to clear the wreckage from the road the sooner the tow truck arrives at the rta the sooner everyone starts moving

[bob57]

to add to this question any hgv vehicle near to the rta is allowed to use the third lane to pass the rta safely
same goes to any hgv vehicle requiring the need to pass a slow abnormal vehicle but has to return to the left as soon as possible

[Paul22118]

bob 57. I don't think I have got lost in the question. It asks a precise point in that "is it legal to drive a 10 tonne truck in the outer lane?2 Easy answer............no.

I agree with your sentiments and that the truck should get there soon as, and I agree that if the road is blocked ALL traffic must get around the obstruction. That is catered for in the motorway regulations. But there is no dispensation to allow the hook to go where he wishes. The police can direct him anywhere and they can take him anywhere and any way. But he cannot declare independence.

[tanjaz]

Hi i work fora recovery company and yes we can use the outer lane if this is where the recovery is but we have to call thepolice or highways to close the lane/lanes we are NOT able to use the hard shoulder to get to an accident quicker no unless a police officer has authorised it and only a police officer !! hope this helps