WIP Vehicles @ maneuvering area question?

[JanetFlight]

Hi;

Please could someone here give me an helping hand...some days ago i witnessed a nice discussion between some airport authorities (european airport) and some crew regarding WIP vehicles signalization at maneuvering area.
Some said still mandatory the use of Flags atop of the vehicle, some said no longer mandatory the use of "crossed red@white flags" on vehicles.
Well, being honest i only saw those vehicles using flags at Portugal & Spain, in other countries and airports with WIP i did not see any vehicles with any flags, working at those manvr. areas..

Eg: Recently i passed through LHR and IST, some WIP near TWYs and RWYs, vehicles with no flags.

Where can i find that legislation regarding any obligation of flags for a WIP vehicle?
...thanks a lot; JF.

[Musket90]

No legislation I'm aware of in UK for WIP vehicles to display flags. Maybe it's a local requirement for the airports in the countries you mentioned.

UK airports have strict procedures for WIP being carried out on the ramp, taxiways and runways, eg escorting vehicles, marking/lighting of closed works areas, monitoring the work/ activities and publishing any closures to make sure ATC, aircraft operators and other relevant organisations are aware. The only vehicle requirement may be to have a flashing amber obstruction light when operating in these areas and vehicle livery to identify the works contractors involved.

[Piltdown Man]

With respect (so I'm going to offend someone), flags on vehicles, flashing lights, sirens and virtually all aids to vehicle conspicuity are a waste of time. They are policies dreamed up by people who are kept in offices so they don't interfere in the real running if an airport. Only at night do lights really come into their own. The rest of the time, believe it or not, vehicles can be spotted visually without such aids. Where these pointless rules can be found varies airport to airport, country to country.

Am I too harsh? I think not. There's no data to prove any of these things work but loads of invoices to prove they are expensive. There are also plenty of local fines to show these ridiculous rules are treated with deserved contempt.

[Musket90]

Agree Piltdown.

Been involved for a long time and in daylight it's pointless. Flashing lights are useful at night but even then if there are too many vehicles you become blind to what is visible. A few select vehicles is enough. At night in large works sites with many vehicles sometimes the policy is to switch off flashing lights so it's less confusing and possibly safer.