Ringway tests automatic works safety barriers

Ringway has announced it has invested in Readi Barriers to, "Help improve the management of road closures, improve standards and reduce the number of incidents of conflict with the travelling public."

These automatic barriers have been trialled as an alternative way of enforcing road closures at sites in North Yorkshire, Hertfordshire, Cheshire West, the East Midlands and Cambridgeshire, following an incident where a member of the public drove straight through a road closure.

The barriers can be operated remotely up to 20 meters away, and takes just two people to manoeuvre the component parts and assemble the barrier at the site entrance. A gateman is still required on some sites to facilitate access to certain areas of the site.

Ringway says the Readi Barriers are far more effective than signs and cones when it comes to deterring the public. The company has found that most people approach, see the barriers and do not stop to enquire, instead they turn around and go on their way.

Richard Whitaker, Hub and Programme Manager says, “The feedback from our people on the North Yorkshire scheme has been very positive. Our front-line staff are well trained to deal with motorists who object to access controls, but this solution removes that flash point.”