We said when our HVM guardrails were launched that there was nothing like them on the market and now our words have been given the seal of approval – with the granting of a brand new patent.
The end result of three years hard work and thousands of pounds of investment, the patent, the latest in a growing number of patents that we now own, underlines the innovative technology that has gone into bring this truly unique invention into production and onto the UK’s streets.
The patent number, which is GB 2578131, covers all of the products within our HVM guardrail range, namely our original HVM Guardrail and our HVM Socketed Guardrail, and our HVM Guardrail Ultra, which uses very shallow footings which allows them to be used on bridges.
It is incredible to think back to how the story began with an inquiry from a school which wanted to buy fencing that would protect students, staff and parents waiting on the pavement outside from a vehicle mounting the nearby kerb, whether accidental or malicious.
At the time, only pedestrian guardrails were available. A common site close to junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts across the country, HVM pedestrian guardrails are designed only to prevent people from crossing roads at anywhere but designated places and, as a result, are not strong enough to stand up in a vehicle collision.
In response, we designed and created new technology, in particular a new design of post which is robust enough to hold the fencing in place, protecting the lives of those standing on the pavement.
What’s more, the system is designed to hold all manner of different designs of fence panel so that it can fit seamlessly into an existing stretch of pedestrian guardrail or can be used in conservation areas with heritage design panels that enhance the surroundings as well as save lives.
Since the product was introduced, Securiscape is now busy installing our HVM Guardrails at locations across the country, including along a busy road in Sheffield, outside the NEC in Birmingham, at the entrance to the popular Gabriel’s Wharf shopping and leisure destination on London’s South Bank and even close to the new Silverstone Experience museum at the home of British racing, Silverstone in Northamptonshire.
