Traffic marshals from Topher Ltd, the Hampshire-based security and traffic management contractors based in Fleet, have been awarded regional Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) powers by two further police forces, Dorset and the Met.
To gain CSAS, Topher employees have to undertake specialist training from the police, and pass a test. The CSAS powers are normally awarded on a county by county basis, but their South West Region accreditation permits Topher’s eight accredited marshals to manage traffic on public highways in Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. CSAS accreditation from the Metropolitan Police permits Topher’s marshals to do the same on all roads in Greater London.
The CSAS powers give accredited marshals the authority to stop traffic on the public highway and even close public roads if deemed necessary. Topher’s first CSAS accreditations were awarded by Hampshire in March 2014. Its marshals have since been CSAS accredited by Essex and Dorset constabularies for their own counties, and now Greater London and the whole South West region too.
Chris Haywood, managing director of Topher Ltd., pictured, stressed the importance of CSAS to his business, saying: “Topher provides traffic management services to a number of outdoor events across the region, and the regional CSAS powers, granted to us by Dorset Police, will obviate the need to go through each county constabulary for our local accreditation. Accreditation from the Metropolitan Police now extends our capabilities throughout Greater London. CSAS powers are essential to our provision of effective traffic and parking management. Having the authority to stop and divert traffic, and close lanes on public roads allows us to better reduce delays, bottlenecks and ensure the safety of visitors en route.”
