The Stamp it Out led abuse reporting app formally launched to its first cohort of operatives yesterday on the A63 improvements works in Hull.
The ground-breaking reporting tool will, for the first time enable real-time reporting of incidents of abuse and incursions across the whole of the UK road network - whether High or Low speed or National Highways or Local Authority managed.
Named Jarvis, in honour of Kevin Jarvis, a traffic management operative who tragically lost his life a number of weeks ago, the app will shortly move into a proof of concept period with one specific contractor to hone and refine its features.
The app has been developed completely free of charge by Safer Highways member organisation Notify Technology the app will shortly move into a proof of concept period commencing today (24th June) with Balfour Beatty on its A63 project to hone and refine its features.
It will then move to a second stage of testing with the "One Community" on the M25, an alliance made up of principal contractor, Connect Plus Services, Octavious, Jackson Civils, R&W Civils and a number of other Safer Highways members.
Speaking about the impending pilot, Kevin Robinson, CEO of Safer Highways expressed his gratitude to both Balfour Beatty and Notify Technology for the vital part they are playing in the project.
He said,
"Roadworker abuse has long been a blight on our society and sadly is grossly under-reported and seen as just being a part of the job.
"This should not be the case and through the development of a common reporting tool we hope to empower the men and women we put to work each day to not only report but also to challenge abuse.
"In order to do this we need to understand the scale of the problem and our hope is that through the app we will, for the first time be able to do just that.
"I am grateful to both Balfour Beatty and Notify Technology for their support with the project as we enter what will be the first stage of the deployment."
Phil Clifton, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty said,
"At Balfour Beatty we continue to demonstrate our drive to eliminate the abuse and incursions that our workers suffer on an almost daily basis.
"The trial of the Stamp it Out app on our A63 Castle Street Hull project allows us to get both insight into what is really happening and provide data in a form that can help establish trends and priorities to ensure our workforce is protected.
"Working collaboratively with a multitude of partners the app is part of our startegy that really demonstrates to our workforce that we truly care for their wellbeing."