The UK’s first mobile solar powered barrier system for work sites has made its debut on the UK’s motorway network, protecting roadworkers carrying out essential repairs on the M23.
It marks the first highways trial for SOSEC, which launched in October last year with an initial focus on the construction industry. Thanks to a partnership between Maidstone-based companies Green Gate Access Systems and Highway Care, the company says the potential for SOSEC in other markets is now being realised.
On the M23, the SOSEC gate has provided contractors with a power-free method to slow and control access to the work zone, track who is on site and prevent accidental entry from the public.
A 4G intercom allows visiting contractors or emergency services to contact the central control office with known contractors using managed swipe cards or codes enter – all powered by the sun.
Highways Care were responsible for installing the full overnight installation of 1,500m of temporary crash barrier on the live lane and – using the SOSEC system – securing a 1.5 km section of roadwork along this busy route.
Green Gate Access Systems developed its SOSEC range of products to answer a growing need to provide public safety and work site security, where power provision is not practical, but security and safety demands are high.
Neil Sampson, Managing Director, Green Gate Access Systems, said, “We’ve been delighted with the buzz around SOSEC since our launch in October, with the M23 trial proving a perfect illustration of its potential for in a wide range of sectors, including highways safety.
“The positive feedback at Traffex 2017 confirms our view the future is looking bright for this innovative range of products, that meets the challenges of combining security with mobility and is being viewed as a game changer, particularly for the temporary highways works market.
Ben Duncker, Corporate Sales Director, Highway Care, added, "It was a pleasure to exhibit with SOSEC and our other global distribution partners for highway safety products at Traffex.
“Our stand was well received by all our visitors and we have some very exciting UK highways infrastructure projects on the horizon. Currently the SOSEC gate is on trial on the M23 and getting very good reviews from the contractors there.
“Its purpose is simply to prevent the public accidentally entering a work area on a live motorway and it has performed that role perfectly.
“With another trial lined up for the A14 bypass project, we are extremely confident that sales of the SOSEC mobile solar barriers will feature heavily in the coming year."
