As Hill & Smith Infrastructure commemorates 200 years of delivering infrastructure and property safety in the UK, we reflect on the significant milestones achieved and the advancements that have shaped the nation’s transportation infrastructure. From the early days of horse-drawn carriages to the modern era of high-speed motorways, the evolution of road safety has been driven by innovation, regulation, and an unwavering commitment to protecting road users. Among the myriad of safety measures developed over the years, Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) have emerged as a critical component in mitigating accidents and saving lives. This article delves into the historical journey of delivering road safety in the UK and underscores the pivotal role of VRS in ensuring safer roads for all.
The inception of structured road safety in the UK can be traced back to the early 19th century with the establishment of turnpike trusts. These organisations were responsible for maintaining and improving major roads, funded by tolls collected from road users. As road usage increased, so did the need for better road surfaces and safety measures. The advent of macadamized roads, developed by John McAdam, marked a significant improvement in road quality, reducing accidents caused by poor road conditions.
As Hill & Smith Infrastructure began its journey, it witnessed the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent rise of motor vehicles. The UK faced new challenges in road safety, and the Motor Car Act of 1903 introduced measures such as vehicle registration and driving licenses, aiming to regulate the burgeoning number of automobiles and enhance safety. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that road safety became a national priority, leading to the development of more sophisticated safety infrastructure.
The post-World War II era saw a dramatic increase in road traffic, necessitating comprehensive safety measures. The introduction of speed limits, pedestrian crossings, and traffic lights were some of the early interventions aimed at reducing accidents. In 1946, the first zebra crossing was introduced in Slough, providing a safer way for pedestrians to cross busy roads.
The formation of the Ministry of Transport in 1919 marked a significant step towards centralised road safety management. The ministry’s efforts culminated in the Road Traffic Act of 1930, which included provisions for mandatory insurance, driving tests, and speed limits for certain vehicles. These measures laid the groundwork for modern road safety regulations.
As road networks expanded and vehicles became faster and heavier, the need for robust safety barriers became apparent. The development of Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) in the latter half of the 20th century revolutionised road safety, with Hill & Smith Infrastructure playing a crucial role in this evolution by contributing to the design and implementation of advanced VRS technologies.
Today, VRS technology has evolved to include a wide range of solutions tailored to different road environments and vehicle types with modern VRS engineered to address specific safety challenges. Hill & Smith Infrastructure has been at the forefront of these advancements, offering solutions such as:
The ongoing advancements in VRS technology highlight the continuous efforts to enhance road safety, ensuring that as vehicles and road networks evolve, the protective measures in place are equally progressive and effective.
The first VRS were rudimentary, often consisting of simple guardrails or wooden posts. However, as the understanding of crash dynamics improved, more sophisticated systems were developed. The introduction of the steel guardrail in the 1950s provided a more effective solution, capable of withstanding higher impact forces and redirecting errant vehicles back onto the road.
Since the 1970’s when Hill & Smith began manufacturing the very first UK tested restraint systems on the market, the company has been at the forefront of contributing to road safety with various products. These have included:
The importance of VRS in enhancing road safety cannot be overstated. According to the latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT), there were 752 deaths and 10,657 serious injuries on UK roads in 2019 resulting from vehicles leaving the carriageway and colliding with roadside objects. These statistics highlight the critical need for effective VRS to prevent such incidents and reduce their severity.
VRS systems help prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and colliding with other vehicles or roadside objects, thereby minimising the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. By redirecting errant vehicles and absorbing the impact energy, these systems play a crucial role in maintaining road safety and preventing collisions. The continuous advancements in VRS technology ensure that as vehicles and road networks evolve, the protective measures in place are equally progressive and effective, ultimately saving lives and reducing the severity of accidents.
To ensure the effectiveness of VRS, adherence to stringent standards and guidelines is paramount. The European Standard BS EN 1317 provides comprehensive criteria for the performance, testing, and installation of VRS. This standard categorises barriers based on their containment levels, impact severity, and working width, ensuring that the right system is used for the right application.
For 200 years, Hill & Smith Infrastructure has been committed to providing infrastructure and property safety solutions that meet and exceed these standards and holds the accolade of being the first company to test VRS barriers in the UK on their advent in the 1950s.
Beyond the immediate safety benefits, the presence of reliable VRS fosters public confidence in road safety, encouraging safer driving behaviours and promoting a culture of responsibility among road users. This aligns with broader initiatives such as Vision Zero and the Safe System Approach, where such policies are driven by public expectations to drive in safe environments and where the aim is purely to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the roads.
While VRS are vital, they are just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to road safety. As we look to the future, the role of VRS in road safety will continue to evolve. Technological advancements, such as the integration of smart sensors and autonomous vehicle systems, hold the promise of further enhancing the effectiveness of VRS. These innovations will enable real-time monitoring and adaptive responses to changing road conditions, creating a safer and more resilient road network.
Moreover, road safety encompasses a broader range of strategies, including:
By integrating these various elements, the goal of achieving safer roads is more attainable. The combined efforts in vehicle technology, infrastructure improvements and driver education collectively contribute to a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities.
At Hill & Smith Infrastructure, we have led the way in VRS innovation with the expertise to support engineers and road authorities in designing and implementing cutting-edge road safety solutions. Our comprehensive range of services, from design and manufacturing to supply and installation ensures that our clients receive the highest level of support and quality.
As we mark our 200-year anniversary, it is essential to acknowledge the transformative impact of Vehicle Restraint Systems. These systems have not only saved countless lives but have also played a key part in road safety worldwide. Moving forward, our commitment to innovation, compliance, and excellence will continue to drive advancements in VRS technology, ensuring safer roads for future generations.
Hill & Smith Infrastructure remains at the forefront of this vital endeavour, providing world-class VRS solutions that protect road users and contribute to a safer, more sustainable transportation network.