Narrative:

I was working all the ground and local positions. Weather was MVFR; and I noticed a vehicle entering the movement area. The asde-X confirmed it was a port vehicle. I called the vehicle a few times to ascertain his intentions. After about the 3rd call he answered. All vehicles are required to get ATC approval prior to entering the movement area. This includes taxiways. For all the vehicle operator knows; a helicopter in weather difficulty could be landing on that taxiway; a scenario I have had happen. This situation is part of the system-wide safety problem we have at bos where massport vehicles do not have a clear understanding of what ATC clearances on the movement area mean. This operator apparently believes as long as he steers clear of runways; he can enter the movement area without authorization. This is wrong and unsafe; and needs to be addressed by the facility. Recommend training for all vehicle operators done by current controllers.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BOS Tower Controller described an unauthorized airport movement area entry event by an airport vehicle. The reporter noted airport vehicles do not have a clear understanding of the ATC clearances required.

Narrative: I was working all the ground and local positions. Weather was MVFR; and I noticed a vehicle entering the movement area. The ASDE-X confirmed it was a Port vehicle. I called the vehicle a few times to ascertain his intentions. After about the 3rd call he answered. All vehicles are required to get ATC approval prior to entering the movement area. This includes taxiways. For all the vehicle operator knows; a helicopter in weather difficulty could be landing on that taxiway; a scenario I have had happen. This situation is part of the system-wide safety problem we have at BOS where Massport vehicles do not have a clear understanding of what ATC clearances on the movement area mean. This operator apparently believes as long as he steers clear of runways; he can enter the movement area without authorization. This is wrong and unsafe; and needs to be addressed by the facility. Recommend training for all vehicle operators done by current controllers.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.