In all the locations, the gates are located on footway or central islands parallel to the kerb and locked in place, when not required. The singular or dual gates can then be closed across the carriageway, when required, to prevent vehicular access and are designed to withstand vehicle impacts. All gates have been sympathetically designed to minimise street clutter and interference with existing pedestrian and cycle routes.

As part of HVM installations, it is important that the surroundings remain open and inclusive, and that the addition of physical security measures are designed to protect the public but are integrated and proportionate to the identified threat.

Due to the complexity of the project, we have decided to phase the Stage 3 Road Safety Audits and so far, have carried out audits on the grade separated junction at Hirwaun and the associated mainline. Our input is to identify any potential road safety hazards with the built scheme and suggest recommendations to reduce the risk of collisions. We have already made numerous suggestions to improve road safety and reduce the risk of injury to road users, and it is satisfying to see these measures being implemented. We look forward to continuing our work on this project until its estimated completion date of mid-2025.

The scheme involves creating an enlarged coach and bus interchange, together with a dedicated drop-off and pick-up location, on the top level of the new 2,000 space car-park. Pedestrian access will also be improved by providing a glazed bridge link to the airport from the car-park.

TMS has carried out Road Safety Audits on the new perimeter road, internal car-park layouts, car-park ramps and pedestrian routes. It is important that these areas can be negotiated safely by all users, especially as many people travelling to airports can be unfamiliar with the area and need clear information and guidance.

Image source: BBC News – Bristol Airport Invest £60m in transport hub and car park

Manchester Airport

Highway works associated with the transformation of Terminal 2, including access road reconfiguration and development of new car-park accesses.

London Heathrow Terminal 2

Major reconstruction of terminal with multi-storey car-park, transport interchange and reconfiguration of central roads within the airport.

On their return to the UK in summer 2023, Joseph and Wallace observed the road safety audit process in more detail and attended numerous site visits in West London and in the counties of Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Yorkshire.

The schemes ranged from junction improvements including roundabouts, traffic signals and priority junctions, new link roads and streets within commercial and residential developments. By visiting a diverse range of highway schemes, Joseph and Wallace were able to experience different types of schemes at varying stages of the audit process.