News

READY-SALTED ROADS KEEP POT-HOLES AT BAY

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 10:09

The UK’s highways engineers have prevented widespread structural damage to the road network by heading off the worst excesses of winter weather, according to the Institute of Highways Engineers (IHE).

A strategy of pre-salting roads to avoid serious damage from icing, and rapid action to address minor defects has significantly cut the number of potholes on roads this year.

“Salting is often interpreted purely as a road-use safety action, but adopted strategically as a maintenance measure – as it has been this winter by local authorities following the recommendations given in the Quarmby Report – has prevented the break-up of the underlying road structure,” says Richard Hayes, vice-president of the IHE, and area highways manager at Northumberland County Council. The Quarmby report has given better guidance on the use of salt following the last two winters.

“By steering road maintenance in this way, highways engineers have saved authorities the need for costly structural repairs.

“This prudence must be acknowledged, and local authorities must support engineers in investing their savings to return the road network to a state that is safe for all road users: replacing worn white lines and upgrading road surfaces.”

RSMA CALLS FOR HIGHWAYS AGENCY ACTION OVER LUMP SUM MAINTENANCE

Friday, 16 December 2011 11:18

The Road Safety Markings Association has called for action from the Highways Agency to address road safety concerns arising out of a stand-off between the agency and its managing agents over payments for road marking maintenance.

At a meeting with Department for Transport and Highways Agency officials, RSMA National Director George Lee said “We’ve had reports from member companies that significant road marking maintenance programmes are not taking place because of disputes between managing agents and the Highways Agency over how these programmes should be funded.”

SPEED INCREASE PANDERS TO MINORITY DIE-HARDS ONLY - GOVERNMENT MUST APPLY THE BRAKES

Friday, 02 December 2011 11:17

Government proposals to raise motorway speed limits would please a vocal minority of just one in five voters, according to Dr Jillian Anable, senior transport research expert at the University of Aberdeen.

Speaking to policy makers at the annual Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) Westminster Lecture in London last night (30 November), Dr Anable warned that Government ignores the vast majority at its peril when aiming to change travel behaviour. She outlined some key traits that distinguish the wide range of types of drivers - and non-drivers – and explained that attempting to “nudge” the population into driving responsibly or using other forms of transport will fail with many types.

“The vocal minority who seek a higher speed limit on motorways are the Die-Hards: passionate and knowledgeable about cars in general, and with a strong emotional and physical attachment to their own car. These drivers – predominantly but not exclusively male – believe they are superior drivers, and that their car reflects their status, intelligence and wealth. Any restrictions on their driving - such as car parking regulations and charges, pedestrian and cyclist priorities, or speed limits – are seen as infringements of their freedom,” she said. “Such drivers believe that climate change is not their responsibility and are not willing to use any alternative forms of transport.

RSMA Member Wilson and Scott awarded NSCC Apprenticeship Role of Honour

Monday, 28 November 2011 10:57

The NSCC Apprenticeship Roll of Honour was launched at the 2011 NSCC Annual Lunch on Wednesday 23 November to recognise those businesses in the specialist sector that invest in apprenticeships. Steve Woodings from Wilson and Scott accompanied Managing Director Steve Scott to the event, where he received a contribution to his pension fund from B&CE and NSCC and a high quality range of PPE provided by Bunzl Greenham. Steve also got to meet former England rugby player Martin Bayfield who praised the industry for continuing to invest in new talent during the recession.

The Roll of Honour features more than 55 NSCC members who are enjoying the benefits of employing an apprentice, including a reduction in skills gaps, the ability to keep pace with the latest technology and a more motivated and productive workforce. Its launch to over 180 guests from across the industry supply chain was a unique way of showcasing the commitment of employers and the high standard of skill and professionalism that their apprentices achieve.

The champagne reception and 3-course lunch at the prestigious Institute of Directors in London, supported by B&CE, Bibby Financial Services, Bridge Insurance, Bunzl Greenham, ConstructionSkills, CSCS, Cut the Carbon, Safety Services (UK) and Wedlake Bell, was attended by apprentices employed by NSCC members across the range of specialist trades.

R S Clare wins HSBC's Business Thinking competition in the North

Monday, 28 November 2011 10:55

RSMA Members R S Clare wins HSBC's Business Thinking competition in the North West of England.

Liverpool's longest established manufacturer has added a fourth award in this the 264th year of trading.

The company beat hundreds of other entrants in the North West to reach the shortlist, and yesterday at a gruelling interview by bankers, accountants and business consultants, the organisation's strategies of selling customer benefits, using the Balanced Scorecard to manage the business and sheer passion won through.

Afterwards the Chairman Ian Meadows said " To have won a Queen's Award for Enterprise this year was a fantastic accolade for the whole workforce who have transformed our business in recent years, but this prize will enable us to modernise our factory and equip it with the latest equipment to optimise efficiency and increase capacity".

LAYING IT ON THE LINE

Thursday, 27 October 2011 14:31

RSMA makes its case to Select Committee

Standards, compliance and research are the key areas the Government needs to address if it is to achieve the goals set out in its Strategic Framework for Road Safety, the Road Safety Markings Association has told the Transport Select Committee.

In its evidence to the Select Committee inquiry into the Government’s road safety framework, the RSMA insists that the only way the delicate balance of satisfying the demands of the debt crisis, whilst continuing to improve the UK road safety record, can be kept is by a more rigorous approach to standards and a more objective and enlightened attitude to commissioning research.

The RSMA also sounds a warning bell on the Government’s commitment to localism at any cost. In its evidence to the committee, the association supports the knowledge, expertise and experience of highways engineers operating in local authorities being used to best effect and supports local decisions that are made in light of local and unique circumstances. However, it voices its concern that central Government’s dogmatic adherence to a localism agenda may result in a lowering of standards, of road markings in particular, on local authority controlled roads.

Read more: LAYING IT ON THE LINE

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