Impact protection: Days at the races

24/01/2019 |

There can be few greater challenges for a barrier system than a rally car track, requiring a product that is easy to assemble and transport, not to mention one that can stand up to high speed crashes. Highway Care took the barriers podium on the notoriously difficult Wales Rally GB.

To give some comparison between the glitzy pampered world of Formula One and the World Rally Championship, you need look no further than the recent Wales Rally GB.

In Formula One, a single stone can wreak havoc with a driver’s day. On the Wales course this autumn one driver didn’t stop despite having an advertising banner wrapped around half his car.

Described as one of the most demanding events in motor sports let alone world rally, the event involves notoriously difficult Welsh forest sections and rallies that can take place at night, in the rain and with fog.

Joining the intrepid drivers and navigators this year was Highway Care’s BG800 barrier, which looked likely to also be in for a rough ride, judging by the speeds and braking angles.

The BG800 concept, which was unveiled in 2000, was created to deliver low deflection with high containment, as well as being portable with a slim profile. Reaching N2 H2 and N2 W2 criteria, Highway Care wanted a barrier that would provide great protection for a workforce as well as motorists.

The result means it works well with any spectator event with cars, as it can help ensure there is protection against the cars spinning out of control into crowds, a spokeswoman tells Highways.

It has also been used across motorways for projects involving road works on the M20, A14, M3 and in Bournemouth.

Ben Duncker, commercial sales director at Highway Care, says: ‘We were really pleased and proud to be supporting a great UK event with our product. The safety benefits of the BG800 are there for all to see and its application across the UK highway network on major roadworks projects speak for itself.

‘It’s fantastic for Highway Care to be able to install the product into highway schemes, as well as be able to support the safety efforts of non-highway events such as The Welsh Rally GB. We’re looking forward to being involved in similar projects in the future.’

Alun Pritchard, partnership manager of International Motor Sports Ltd, says: ‘Wales Rally GB decided to go ahead with the BG800 barrier after conducting thorough research into the various systems available on the market at present.

‘We decided to go for this particular barrier because it provided a system which gave a softer impact, therefore protecting drivers as well as spectators. The time frame for installation and removal was achievable in the limited time we had available and the cost was reduced as the length required could fit on many less wagons than concrete alternatives.

‘Also, the deflection zone that the barrier was rated to, wasn’t prohibitive to our spectator locations i.e. it allowed them to stand in safe positions without being too far from the action.

‘The staff at Highway Care are always professional and look at ways to solve problems rather than using them as an excuse not to do things.’

The BG800 portable steel barrier
•    A temporary vehicle restraint system, offering protection to both motorists and construction workers 
•    Low deflection rates and stepped profile 
•    Proven to reduce damage to both vehicle and barrier during impact, minimising repair or replacement, because of the extremely shallow exit angle
•    N2 H2 compliant
•    25-year lifecycle
•    Slim profile makes it cheaper to transport and easier to install

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW