Updating road safety infrastructure to suit modern traffic

Cars are a common sight today in every part of the UK, from busy city centres to rural areas. Sadly, many locations were not originally built to accommodate the modern day level of vehicles. That can result in issues like congestion, noise, and air pollution. Even worse, it means accidents are more likely. It can make it vital to ensure there are suitable measures in place such as bollards, crash barrier systems, and more.

Motoring in the UK

Incredibly, the first motor vehicle travelled on the roads in the UK way back towards the end of the 19th century. There are conflicting stories about who did it first.

A popular claim is that it was plumber and gas engineer Fredrick William Bremer. He developed a four wheel, petrol car starting in 1892 and drove it for the first time in 1894, although it was unfinished at the time.

There is a second story that it was Evelyn Ellis who was first. He was passionate about the developing motor industry after seeing its success in France and Germany. As a result, he ordered a vehicle from Panhard-Levassour in Paris and had it shipped to the UK. It is said he drove it on the road in 1895.

Another story from 1895 says that John Henry Knight and George Parfitt developed a three wheel petrol car. The following year they made a four wheel design. You can see the pioneering vehicle at the National Motor Museum.

Growth and infrastructure changes

Since their early development, the number of cars on the roads in the UK has boomed. At the same time, the infrastructure has had a number of changes, including crash barrier introduction and more.

To put this into perspective, at the end of 1895 there was a grand total of 14 or 15 cars on the roads in the UK. By the end of the 19th century it was between 700-800. In the 30s it hit a million. Then by 1967 it was at 10 million. As of June 2023, the total was over 33 million.

Unfortunately, a number of roads were not built with this volume of vehicles in mind. The A149 is a great example. The road has been open since 1978, but has never had a central barrier. Unfortunately a section has seen a number of accidents in recent years and has a poor safety record. A number of these incidents have involved vehicles crossing the central carriageway. Luckily, installation work is taking place as we speak to install barriers to improve safety.

Do you want to order a crash barrier?

Barrier Mart is a reliable company that produces high quality barriers, bollards, and more. Our goal is to support clients so they can make different areas safer for vehicle users, pedestrians, and more. We can provide advice, recommendations, and more. In addition, we offer installation if you need us.

So, get in touch today if you need a crash barrier or anything else. We are efficient and reliable, making us one of the top experts in our industry.