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• Traffic Incident Management Bulletin

February 2010

Retriever Motorcycle - Frequently Asked Questions

Since the Bulletin publicised the Retriever Motorcycle in September 2008, the TIM team has been inundated with various questions regarding the trial and its usage. As a result, the TIM team and the project sponsor, Steve Bishop have come together to respond to many of your questions.

What modifications were required to enable the Retriever to be used legally on the strategic road network?

Basically the pillion seat and panniers were removed from the rear of the manufacturer's motorcycle and replaced with a folding frame contained in a fairing.  The frame is deployed by the rider into a trailer for towing the vehicle to be recovered.  Further modifications were needed to the rear suspension, because of the additional load on the back wheel, and the braking system.

Are there any improvements to be made? 

There are always improvements that can be made in any new vehicle, and our recovery partner is in regular contact with the Swedish manufacturers for advice on minor modifications that can be made to the vehicle.  These have however all been slight "tweaks" rather than issues that prevented use of the Retriever until fixed.

How is the Retriever able to tow vehicles exceeding its own weight in line with current legislation?

Following extensive testing in both its deployed and undeployed state by VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency), the Department for Transport (DfT) has granted a time-limited and location-specific derogation from Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 by Special Order. This allows an exception from the usual restrictions on towing by powered two-wheelers.  The order was initially approved by the Department for Transport for a six-month trial period, where the effectiveness and safety of the vehicle was monitored. The trial was considered a success and therefore the order was extended for a further 24 months ending in February 2011.

How do the brakes operate on the Retriever? Do you use the towed vehicles brakes?

The Retriever has a patented braking system on the trailer, which prevents the motorcycle from having to provide all the decelerating force.

Can the Retriever be used on motorways? If so, would this mean that it can only tow along the hardshoulder due to the maximum speed it can travel when towing a vehicle?

No, at the moment the order only applies to a specific non-motorway section of the network - the trial was undertaken on A1 Gateshead Western Bypass in the North East. If approval for use were to be extended to the motorway network then the issues that you raise would have to be considered with the DfT and VCA.

The colours which are used on the Retriever are different to other response vehicles, why and are these legal?

The colour scheme used on the Retriever is in line with our recovery partner's corporate colour scheme and complies with all relevant legislation.

Improving the Safety of Fire Officers on the Strategic Road Network

Issue 25 of the Bulletin included an article on improving the safety of fire officers at incidents on the strategic road network. Part of this included the development of a DVD which would be used to inform staff of their revised procedures in responding to and attending incidents.

The DVD has been developed in partnership with a number of stakeholders, notably the police and Traffic Officer Service, who advised and offered best practice on incident safety on the network.

Future plans

Due to the possibility of a slight change in the procedures being implemented regionally, the completion of the DVD has now been delayed to await the outcome of this review. The TIM Bulletin will keep you updated with all future developments. 

Has this article been worth reading Please take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts, or questions. Email TIMBulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk