Category: Tunnel Patrol

N329 PNL A Land Rover Discovery that was new in 1996. It was used as a Tunnel Patrol vehicle by TT2 at the Tyne Tunnel. It is flanked by two other Discoverys.

E416 EVK Another of the yellow fire fighting and patrol vehicles used at the Tyne Tunnel in the 1980s. Credit to Chris Hall.

Another of the yellow fire fighting and patrol vehicles used at the Tyne Tunnel in the 1980s. Credit to Chris Hall.

B611 JRG Another 1980s Land Rover working the Tyne Tunnel. It has been converted to a mini fire engine by Carmichael. Notice the lockers on the side and the matrix message sign. Credit to Chris Hall.

C590 OTY This 1980s Land Rover Defender shows the yellow corporate livery at the time of the Tyne Tunnel support vehicles. The primary use was for fire fighting. Credit to Chris Hall.

YH11 LMU This Land Rover Discovery 4 is used at the Tyne Tunnel as a Tunnel Patrol vehicle. It is operated by a company called TT2 who run the four tunnels under the River Tyne in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In the background is the River Tyne and one of the North Portals into the tunnel.



The rear view. Notice the blue flashing light bar, with the option of red-only to the rear. The Discovery’s livery is designed to compliment the TT2 company logo.



Inside the rear are equipment including fire extinguishers and a skate. In years gone by, the team would be primarily focussed on fire fighting and carried a lot of firefighing equipment. The introduction of a tunnel misting system to put fires out removed the need for this today.



A closer look at the rear of the Discovery.



The South entrance to the tunnel from inside vehicle “Tunnel 4”.

LD08 OMJ This Land Rover Discovery 3 is “Tunnel 1” and is used to patrol the Tyne Tunnels. On the front are two large black pads. These rubber pads are used to push broken-down vehicles out of the tunnel. The soft rubber avoids any damage. This system is preferred to towing vehicles a few hundred metres to get them out of the tunnel.



A look at the side livery of the Discovery.



The Discovery is parked up, observing vehicles using the North exit. Automated toll booths are used.



A close-up look at the light bar fitted. Eight panels of red LEDs can be seen on the lower layer, with blue lights on top.

Senior Traffic Officer John Wilkinson shows the uniform used by TT2 traffic officers. In the background is one of the Discoverys used to patrol the Tyne Tunnels.