Highway Traffic Management and SRL mark a decade-long partnership
Established in 1995, Highway Traffic Management (HTM) delivers complete traffic management packages to more than 150 customers across the UK.
The business has an ambitious vision to become the market-leader for delivering high quality, safe, innovative and socially responsible traffic management solutions and strong strategic partnerships are a critical element for helping it achieve this goal.
Complete product solutions
Highway Traffic Management is a long-standing customer of SRL Traffic Systems’ hire division, having come on board 10 years ago. During this time, HTM has hired a broad range of products from SRL, including temporary traffic lights, CCTV, VMS and Urban64®, to help the business manage its network of temporary traffic applications on the UK’s roads.
Highway Traffic Management believes the key factors to this ongoing successful partnership are the reliability of SRL’s products and the exceptional levels of service it provides to the business.
Urban64® – SRL’s intelligent temporary traffic light solution, which Highway Traffic Management has been using extensively throughout the UK – is a good example. Used predominantly at junctions and roundabouts, it is the only temporary traffic light solution to feature permanent technology. Ross Simpson, Contracts Manager at Highway Traffic Management, explains why the firm chose it:
“There’s nothing like Urban64® out there on the market at the moment. It’s the only temporary system that has intelligent technology to allow for efficient phasing of traffic and pedestrian systems. This makes junctions flow better, eases road user frustration and reduces complaints.
“Like every product in SRL’s extensive range, Urban64® is robust and user-friendly and is backed by the high levels of customer and technical support that HTM expects.”
Responsive approach
SRL’s wide UK network coverage and the speed with which it is able to respond to new developments at Highway Traffic Management have been fundamental to the success of the long-standing relationship between these two businesses.
For instance, when Highway Traffic Management won a new contract in Lincoln, SRL quickly brought forward its plans to open a depot in the area so that it could immediately begin supplying traffic systems to the location.
This responsive and customer-focused approach is crucial to HTM as Nathan Beetlestone, Purchasing Manager at Highway Traffic Management, says: “SRL delivers a great product and service at a good price. They’re also easy to work with – it’s almost like we’re part of the same business. I do have a look at what the competition offer every now and then, but we have absolutely no reason to move. SRL is head and shoulders above the rest and the team is always willing to go the extra mile.”
Another reason that SRL is a preferred supplier to HTM is the fact that its temporary traffic lights are very simple to operate. “The lights are easy to use and logical, which means training people to use them doesn’t take long. The instructions are printed on the lid, which is great for employees who haven’t used them for a while or are new to them. It’s probably 10 years since we started using their battery-operated lights and we’ve never changed – they’ve stood the test of time,” adds Nathan.
Using such tried and trusted products is important to help Highway Traffic Management drive efficiencies, but the business is always looking out for the next innovation in road traffic products to hit the market. Not surprisingly, it’s taken a keen interest in SRL’s recently launched unique Multiphase Adaptive Detection System (ADS). “We’re really interested in this product for its ability to deal with tidal flows into and out of cities without the need for someone to be on site to control the settings,” says Nathan.
So, what’s the next stage in this partnership? As Highway Traffic Management continues its journey towards becoming a market-leader, it’s clear that the business needs a reliable supplier that can keep pace with its growth. “We won’t take on new contracts unless we’re 100% sure that we have the kit available,” says Nathan. “SRL come through for us – they always pull it out of the bag!”
As an industry pioneer with a highly skilled and experienced team, SRL is ready to support Highway Traffic Management for the next 10 years and beyond.