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Incident Screen - Update
September 2007
Introduction
In April 2007 the TIM Bulletin contained an article introducing incident screens. The concept behind these is to reduce congestion caused by ‘rubbernecking’ at serious incidents. They have a secondary function to screen off incident related activities which may cause distress to passing drivers. This article provides an update to the trial and marks a milestone with the first live uses of the freestanding system in Area 8 with very promising results.
Background
The initial barrier mounted incident screen system trialled proved to be beneficial but had the drawback of requiring the barrier to be undamaged and the correct barrier type. A free standing system (Flex-screen) is now on trial in Area 8 (please follow the link to view a map of the Area) supplied by a Dutch company, Wilchem B.V.. This trial has been funded by the TIM programme.
Where have they been used?
On 12th July 2007 two LGVs were involved in a collision with tragic consequences. It resulted in a total closure of the M1 between Jct 18 and 20. A total of 50m of screen was used which was deployed within 15 minutes of its arrival on scene.
The M1 deployment
On the 31st July 2007 the screens were used for a second time. This incident was on the A1 and required the deployment of 180m of the screen. The screen was on site 80 minutes after first notification of the incident and was deployed within 40 minutes of arrival on scene.
The A1 deployment
Feedback
The management of the M1 incident has prompted praise from one of the East Region Traffic Officer Supervisors, Mick Tomlinson. Mick was leading the Highways Agency’s response at scene.
Specifically referring to the incident screen system Mick stated, “Personally, I thought it was excellent. It looked easy to handle and erect by two people, and was quickly put up when it arrived. It can easily be deployed from the wrong side of the barrier as it is lightweight and is a vast improvement over other designs I have seen.”
He went on to say that, “It was high enough that car drivers could not see what was going on but LGV drivers could see over. LGVs don’t tend to want to slow for a look quite a much as their counterparts in cars though.”
Mick’s final comment is the most promising, “We were able to get it in place not long after reopening the northbound carriageway and subsequently traffic flow was improved as there was less for people to see.”
From a Service Provider perspective Carillion-URS General Forman, Darren Bedford supervised the erection of the screens, “The new incident screen is vastly superior to the style that we had before. Not only is it quicker to install but the flexibility it has with being self standing is a massive advantage as you are not restricted to using vehicle restraint systems which are often affected by the actual incident that we are trying to protect.”
The A1 incident also proved the screen system as quick to erect and effective once in place.
What happens next?
Although the initial results are promising there is ongoing work by the TIM Programme to ensure that the screens bring maximum benefit and that the most appropriate system is chosen. Assuming the initial findings are confirmed the screens may be rolled out across the Highways Agency network.
For further information on incident screens or if you have experience of their use (outside of Area 8) please contact the TIM Team.
Has this article been worthwhile reading? Why not take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts or questions. Please e-mail TIMbulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk.
