Suggestions For Driving In Convoy 

Please take the time to read the guide before coming on a Freedom Fives run. Most, if not all, Freedom Fives runs involve driving in convoy and the purpose of this guide is to provide some general tips about this. According to advice received from the RAC and the Central Motorway Police Headquarters “there are no legal requirements or restriction in numbers when driving in convoy as long as all rules of the highway are observed and consideration is given to other road users. The only restrictions are when there are very large vehicles or army vehicles using the public highway”

However, there are certain suggested protocols, which, if followed, will make your Freedom Fives organised run a more enjoyable and trouble-free day out. We hope it will be helpful to you.

General

Check you have sufficient fuel to complete the route beforehand. (20 cars following you onto a garage forecourt tend to cause problems!).

Arrive at the starting point in plenty of time in order that the organiser can hand out route instructions and go through details of stops etc.

Please be ready to leave from the starting point on time.

Don't expect the group to be able to stop just for you once it is on the move. Stopping places for 20+ cars are few and far between.

If you are going to meet the group en route, please check with the organiser that this is convenient.

If you are going to leave the group before the end of the trip, please tell the organiser, and others (particularly the driver of the car who will be following you). This is so that the group does not either wait for you to catch up, or follow you home!

On the road

The lead MX-5 will establish a sensible pace for the group, but it is each individual drivers responsibility to keep the MX-5 behind him or her in sight, thus ensuring the group stays together.

If the car behind you slows down, please slow down with it. If each car does this, then it will ensure that the convoy stays together.

Don’t follow too closely to the MX-5 in front. Leave a comfortable braking distance but don’t get left behind. Our line of cars shouldn’t dominate the road and if other road users want to pass the group, then let them do so.

Always use your indicators in plenty of time to guide cars behind you in the group. Not all drivers will have a navigator to assist them in following the route and will rely on you to let them know when the group will be making a turn.

The lead car will make regular stops to allow the group to reform. Whenever the group stops, if possible, make sure you try to pull completely off the road.

Please don’t drive unsafely to keep up with the group. The group will wait for you as soon as practicable. If you do get lost, stop and phone the organiser whose mobile telephone number should be on the route information handed out at the start of the run.

If, in an emergency, you need the group to stop, flash your headlights. If the car behind flashes its headlights, flash yours until the leader pulls over.

If you pass the leader of the group or the lead car, or if you pull over and wave the following cars past, you are effectively on your own. If you suddenly decide to leave the group, pull off the road (if possible) and wave the following cars past you otherwise you may find part of the group coming with you!

Please bear in mind just because you are following the route this does not mean the car behind you, or the car in front of you is correct, or even a member of the Freedom Fives! It is best to check your own route.

Happy driving!