TVRCC runs, convoys or drives out
Following a bike incident that was discussed on various forums and concern expressed by run organisers a few years ago, it would seem opportune to circulate some good practices for convoys which if followed, should provide evidence that the run organiser took all reasonable steps to ensure that the run was safe, and that individual drivers were aware that they were responsible for their own actions.
Good practice for runs out
Give a briefing, ensuring that a statement is included that drivers are each responsible for their own actions and should drive within the rules of the road and for following the route independently between meeting places.
Other ‘best practice’ guidance for leaders and/or participants:
- If a route sheet is issued, or the location of the next meeting place, then this will ease the pressure on drivers to 'keep up' to avoid getting lost.
- Include a note on run sheets to remind drivers of their responsibilities – something like:
- This is not a timed event, not a convoy, but a guided route.
- You are responsible for your own driving standards and should drive in a manner that falls within the law and your own capabilities.
- Take care, stay safe and enjoy.”
Other ‘best practice’ guidance for leaders and/or participants:
- If at the front of a group or setting the pace, then bear in mind the ‘whip effect’ - even if you are doing a legal speed at the front, cars behind may need to do considerably more to catch up the tail of the convoy if they have been briefly delayed at roundabouts etc.
- Signal early for turnings ~ ‘pass the signal back’
- Watch out for the car behind you. Make sure the person following you sees you make the turn.
- Favour the left (slow) lane when on a dual carriageway or motorway.
- Allow suitable clear distance between you and the car in front of you. This will prove its value as we make judgments whether to stop or proceed through stoplights on the route.
- Use your best judgment when approaching a long green or yellow traffic signal. Don’t be concerned about delaying those behind you by conservatively judging the light. Judge it as you would if you were travelling independently of a group.
- If a non-convoy driver wants to cut in, let them. In fact, make it easy for them. There will be plenty of time to regroup on stretches of dual carriageway or at rest stops. Share the road!
- Passing: if we need to pass a car or cars, it should be done “one convoy car at a time”. In other words, don’t all move out at the same time and pass at once. Pass as an individual, not as a group.
- Use common sense. Drive as though you are an individual following a planned route and map, rather than a participant of a group. Please take a few minutes to review the itinerary before the trip, and locate the roads on your map or atlas.
- Your safety and safe operation of your vehicle is your responsibility alone and the TVRCC and/or run organiser assumes no responsibility for anything other than making the arrangements for the event.
The TVR Car Club is an MSA (Motor Sports Association) registered club and Club Policy is to follow MSA Guidelines/Regulations for our events.
Regional Runs Out should be termed Social Runs.
For any Run Out to which more than one Region is invited, it is Club Policy for it to run under MSA Touring Assembly guidelines.
Any RO planning a Treasure Hunt or other event should contact the Club Secretary for advice.
MSA Social Run:
A non-competitive run for likeminded participants where there is no other purpose than the camaraderie of motoring in company to a predetermined point and which is not within the jurisdiction of the MSA.
MSA Touring Assembly:
An activity organised with the primary object of assembling tourists at a point determined beforehand. In a Touring Assembly:
The Regulations for the event must be clearly endorsed ‘Touring Assembly’, and before publication the consent in writing of the MSA and its approval of the regulations for the Touring Assembly have first been obtained, by issue of a Certificate of Exemption.
The programme of a Touring Assembly may include additional events (other than speed) provided that they are held only at the place of final assembly.
No prize money may be allocated in respect of Touring Assemblies.
MSA Treasure Hunt:
An event involving the solving of certain problems in which the use of a car is merely incidental as a means of transport and the skill or experience of a driver plays no part. If the event utilises the Public Highway, it shall be run in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Competition and Trials) Regulations. Such events may qualify for an exemption of permit.
For any Run Out to which more than one Region is invited, it is Club Policy for it to run under MSA Touring Assembly guidelines.
Any RO planning a Treasure Hunt or other event should contact the Club Secretary for advice.
MSA Social Run:
A non-competitive run for likeminded participants where there is no other purpose than the camaraderie of motoring in company to a predetermined point and which is not within the jurisdiction of the MSA.
MSA Touring Assembly:
An activity organised with the primary object of assembling tourists at a point determined beforehand. In a Touring Assembly:
- a prescribed route may have to be followed.
- pre-arranged points may be provided for in the event’s itinerary,
- no limits of speed may be laid down,
- no requirement to visit prearranged points, other than a requirement to report at a final point not later than a specified time, are permitted
- no awards of any description, other than those in relation to activities arranged at the finishing point may be made or given.
The Regulations for the event must be clearly endorsed ‘Touring Assembly’, and before publication the consent in writing of the MSA and its approval of the regulations for the Touring Assembly have first been obtained, by issue of a Certificate of Exemption.
The programme of a Touring Assembly may include additional events (other than speed) provided that they are held only at the place of final assembly.
No prize money may be allocated in respect of Touring Assemblies.
MSA Treasure Hunt:
An event involving the solving of certain problems in which the use of a car is merely incidental as a means of transport and the skill or experience of a driver plays no part. If the event utilises the Public Highway, it shall be run in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Competition and Trials) Regulations. Such events may qualify for an exemption of permit.
Run Out Myth
That you need to contact police if more than 12 cars
Not necessary* When the Police (Lancashire Constabulary) were consulted on this at the time of Back Home 2006 they cited events like Silverstone where “all cars are heading to same destination, nothing illegal, provided you are obeying the rules of the road”.
However, TVR Car Club is a member of the MSA UK and their regulations require member clubs to apply for a Certificate of Exemption for events which they term ‘Touring Assemblies’. It is our Club’s practise to apply for a certificate for runs associated with our National Events.
If an RO organises a run and invites neighbouring regions to take part we strongly suggest that the size and scope of the run is discussed with the Club Secretary, who will apply for a Certificate if advisable. Having an MSA Certificate provides an extra layer of protection for the RO/organisers.
There are also separate requirements for ‘Treasure Hunts’ and ‘Navigational Scatters’. Again we advise ROs to discuss their plans with the Club Secretary who will apply for any necessary permits.
The infamous Bike Incident – a view from the ROCo
Regarding the detail of the bike incident in question; from media accounts, it was a group of motor cyclists, all of whom were above the speed limit, and the lead rider received the same penalty in court as other riders, despite not having been as many MPH over the limit.
At the time of writing we have not been able to find any recurrence of this ruling, or instance of its use as precedent, or application to a car run out.
As the difference was in the penalty imposed, rather than the offence prosecuted for, it would also seem logical to conclude that if the 'lead' vehicle had not been speeding, then there would have been no grounds for a prosecution.
Not necessary* When the Police (Lancashire Constabulary) were consulted on this at the time of Back Home 2006 they cited events like Silverstone where “all cars are heading to same destination, nothing illegal, provided you are obeying the rules of the road”.
However, TVR Car Club is a member of the MSA UK and their regulations require member clubs to apply for a Certificate of Exemption for events which they term ‘Touring Assemblies’. It is our Club’s practise to apply for a certificate for runs associated with our National Events.
If an RO organises a run and invites neighbouring regions to take part we strongly suggest that the size and scope of the run is discussed with the Club Secretary, who will apply for a Certificate if advisable. Having an MSA Certificate provides an extra layer of protection for the RO/organisers.
There are also separate requirements for ‘Treasure Hunts’ and ‘Navigational Scatters’. Again we advise ROs to discuss their plans with the Club Secretary who will apply for any necessary permits.
The infamous Bike Incident – a view from the ROCo
Regarding the detail of the bike incident in question; from media accounts, it was a group of motor cyclists, all of whom were above the speed limit, and the lead rider received the same penalty in court as other riders, despite not having been as many MPH over the limit.
At the time of writing we have not been able to find any recurrence of this ruling, or instance of its use as precedent, or application to a car run out.
As the difference was in the penalty imposed, rather than the offence prosecuted for, it would also seem logical to conclude that if the 'lead' vehicle had not been speeding, then there would have been no grounds for a prosecution.
