Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 30 January (HL4799), what training is given to the traffic marshals; how long is the duration of the training; what qualifications they are required to possess; and what legal authority they have to direct and stop traffic.

Traffic marshals require specialist training specific to their role. As a minimum, the Parliamentary Marshal team has National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) Vehicle Banksman Training.

Training includes a minimum of one day practical (on-site) training and additional classroom training. All candidates are required to complete the NPORS health and safety test and assessment. On successful completion candidates are issued with a NPORS Operators’ Card which is valid for five years.

Some Marshals, including those who are supervisors or managers, have chosen to gain additional qualifications. These include:

• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Vehicle Marshal

• Construction Plant Competence Scheme Plant and Vehicle Marshal A73
  

The Traffic Marshals direct vehicles and pedestrians on the Parliamentary estate to minimise the potential for incidents and to mitigate risk identified within the traffic management risk assessments. The team do not have legal authority to stop vehicles.