Highways UK 2026: Safer Roads Through Innovation and Collaboration

Last week, Hill & Smith Infrastructure took part in Highways UK 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham, joining the industry leaders, local authorities and infrastructure specialists to discuss the future of the UK’s road network. Nigel Bullock, Solutions Director at Hill & Smith Infrastructure, shared insights on two critical topics shaping the industry: protecting people from vehicle incursions and delivering better outcomes through collaboration.

Protection Against Vehicle Incursions

Roadworkers and maintenance teams continue to face significant risks from errant and determined vehicles entering roadworks. In his presentation, ‘Incursion Defence: Crash-Friendly Physical Protection Against Determined Vehicles’, Nigel explored how physical protection systems can be used to create safer environments while providing the highest level of safety for vehicle occupants.

As road networks become busier and maintenance activities increasingly take place in live traffic environments, there is a growing need for solutions that provide effective physical protection while supporting safer outcomes for all road users.

This challenge has driven the development of innovative solutions such as Incursion Defender, designed to bring vehicles to a safe, controlled stop and provide positive protection for temporary roadworks, safeguarding workers, the travelling public and critical infrastructure. Crash tested to highway standards, achieving Impact Severity Level (ISL) A, Incursion Defender provides the highest level of occupant safety, with the lowest risk of injury during impact, supporting the industry’s ongoing drive to reduce risk without compromising safety performance.

During his presentation, Nigel highlighted the importance of selecting protection systems that are appropriate to the level of risk, helping authorities and contractors create safer work environments while maintaining operational efficiency.

Learn more on Incursion Defender

Delivering Better Outcomes Through Collaboration

Following his presentation, Nigel joined a panel discussion focused on ‘Delivering Better Outcomes Through Collaboration’. Alongside industry experts, he discussed how highways organisations can work more effectively together to overcome common challenges and achieve greater value from infrastructure investment.

Topics included:

• Real-world mechanics of collaborative procurement
• Sharing risk on major maintenance schemes
• Developing regional strategies that improve asset condition
• Creating better outcomes for communities through partnership working

The discussion reinforced a key message; as crucial as innovative products and technologies are, long-term success relies on strong collaboration between local authorities, contractors, suppliers and asset owners. By combining expertise and aligning objectives, the industry can deliver safer, more resilient and more sustainable road networks.

Looking Ahead

Hill & Smith Infrastructure continue to champion solutions that reduce risk, drive innovation and support better outcomes across the sector. Highways UK provided an excellent platform for sharing ideas, challenging conventional approaches and discussing the practical steps needed to improve safety for road users and workers alike.

As the highways industry continues to evolve, the conversations held at events like Highways UK play an important role in shaping the future of infrastructure delivery, road safety and asset management.

If you missed us at the event, please feel free to contact us or alternatively, explore our latest case studies and insights.