Motorway Debut For SOSEC Solar Powered Site Barrier System
SOSEC, the UK's first mobile solar powered barrier system for work sites has made its UK debut on the UK's motorway network, protecting roadworkers carrying out essential repairs on the M23.
It marks the first highways trial for the product, which launched in October 2016 with an initial focus on the construction industry. Thanks to a partnership between Green Gate Access Systems and Highway Care "“ both located in Maidstone, Kent "“ 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 1,500 m 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.
Its mobility, durability and flexibility in a single easy-to-deliver platform made it one of the most talked about products at Traffex 2017, the UK's leading highways industry event held (4 to 6 April) at the NEC, Birmingham.
The SOSEC range of products has seen Green Gate Access Systems being named a finalist in several awards including three categories at the KEIBA Awards in Kent and Commercial Innovation of the Year at the Construction News Awards taking place in London in July.
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, said: "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."
