The authorised escort

What does 'authorised escort' mean?

Traffic management measures – such as temporarily stopping oncoming traffic at a narrow point or closing a bridge on the motorway – are generally the responsibility of the police. However, for oversize and heavy transports, this official task can be delegated to specially trained and officially approved escort personnel. The person and company to whom this task is delegated are referred to as 'authorised escorts'.

This delegation is carried out by the relevant authority as part of the transport permit. The authorised escort acts as an administrative assistant and is authorised to independently carry out the traffic management measures specified in the permit – using appropriately equipped vehicles and only on the approved route.

Why this is important

• Reduced reliance on police resources: Transports do not have to wait for available police escorts.
• Improved planning: Deadlines can be adhered to more reliably, and downtime is reduced.
• Consistent safety: The measures are ordered by the authorities and implemented by trained personnel.
• Reduced burden on authorities: The police are only involved where expressly specified in the permit.

Requirements

The status of 'authorised escort' is subject to clear requirements. These include:

• Documented training of escort personnel for traffic management measures
• Appropriately equipped vehicles (e.g. BF3/BF4 with variable message signs)
• Explicit delegation by the authority in the relevant permit
• Implementation exclusively within the framework of the specified conditions and route

Our role

BKF Service GmbH plans and escorts transports where traffic management measures are required by an authorised escort. During the route assessment, we identify the locations where such measures are necessary and take them into account in the permit application process and deployment planning.