Recovery vehicles operating across the UK, from busy urban areas like London and Birmingham to rural locations, need specific equipment to provide safe and efficient service. Whether operating a single breakdown recovery vehicle or managing a fleet of recovery vehicles, operators must meet strict equipment requirements to ensure legal and safe operation.
Basic Recovery Vehicle Requirements
Every recovery vehicle must be constructed or permanently adapted primarily for lifting, towing, and transporting disabled vehicles. From small car vehicle recovery units to heavy-duty recovery vehicles capable of handling HGVs, each vehicle must have a warning beacon emitting amber light and be equipped with a plate specifying the maximum weight that may be lifted by any crane, winch, or other lifting system.
Breakdown Response Equipment
Recovery vehicles operating in congested urban areas like London and Birmingham need to be particularly well-equipped for rapid response. A typical breakdown recovery vehicle should carry basic diagnostic and repair equipment to assess whether simple repairs can be made at the scene. When roadside repair isn’t possible, the vehicle must be properly equipped for safe recovery.
Braking Systems
While broken-down vehicles being towed are exempt from Construction & Use braking requirements, recovery vehicles themselves must have effective service and parking brakes. This is particularly important for car vehicle recovery operators working in areas with steep hills or challenging terrain. Given that several drivers are killed each year due to vehicles rolling away when parked, it’s advisable to have alarms that sound if the handbrake is left off; cardan shaft handbrakes are not suitable for this type of work. Chocking the wheels when loading on a gradient is advisable.
Visual Aids and Mirrors
Recovery vehicle operators must ensure drivers have a clear view to the rear and sides of the vehicle. This is especially crucial in busy urban environments where vehicle recovery in London or Birmingham requires careful manoeuvring in confined spaces. Standard mirrors may need adjustment, or additional mirrors may need to be fitted when carrying overhanging loads. Camera systems can be used in place of mirrors as long as the driver can clearly see past any wide loads.
Load Security Equipment
All recovery vehicles must have appropriate load-securing systems, which may include:
- The vehicle structure itself
- Intermediate bulkheads or chocks
- Lashing points and straps
- Wheel chocks and securing equipment
Recovery Equipment
Essential recovery equipment typically includes:
- Winches and/or cranes rated for the vehicle’s lifting capacity
- Spec lifts or underlift equipment
- Tow dollies
- A-frames and other towing equipment
- Emergency lighting and warning beacons
- Traffic management equipment
Marker Boards and Warning Signs
Any projections exceeding 2 meters to the front or 3.05 meters to the rear must be marked with appropriate marker boards. Side projections over 305 mm also require markers. Recovery vehicles should display ‘RECOVERY’ signage and operator details as required by law.
Documentation
While movement orders don’t need to be carried in the vehicle, operators should maintain records of notifications given to authorities for oversize or overweight movements. This is particularly important for vehicle recovery companies operating across different local authority areas.
By ensuring recovery vehicles are properly equipped, operators can provide safe and efficient recovery services while complying with UK regulations. Regular inspection and maintenance of all equipment is essential to maintaining safety standards.
Remember that since May 2018, recovery vehicles are no longer exempt from annual testing requirements, so all equipment must be maintained to pass the annual test standards.
[Note: This article focuses on statutory requirements and common industry practice based on UK regulations and guidance.] For specific requirements, operators should consult the relevant legislation and seek professional advice.