Association celebrates 80th anniversary

The Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM) is celebrating its 80^th anniversary.

ARTSM has just welcomed Unipart Dorman as a new member – bringing the Association’s membership up to 50 – which is believed to be the highest it has been since it was formed 80 years ago in 1934.

In 1934, traffic sign maker IRS approached other key firms in the sign industry to form a trade association. The association they formed was named the Association of Road Traffic Sign Makers.

From the start, the new association aimed to raise standards in the industry, and lobbied for the introduction of a British Standard, which was published in 1939 as BS 873.

The association, which is now named ARTSM (the Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management), currently represents companies engaged in the manufacture of all aspects of highway related products.

ARTSM operates five working groups all aimed at developing key areas of the industry. These include: bollards and sign illumination, traffic signs, fixed and portable VMS, traffic signal and control and installation/road worker safety. Members are encouraged to participate in the working groups and help shape their particular sector. ARTSM lobby and engage with the Department for Transport (DfT) and will act on behalf of member companies in dispute resolution.

Secretary Brian Lyus said: “The Association’s strength is built on membership so we are always keen to add to this core strength to allow us to improve and develop our services and new members are always welcome.”