Following his retirement earlier this year, SRL thought it fitting to recognise Peter Yardley's outstanding commitment to the sector.
Here's Pete's story...
Peter’s career in the Highways Sector started out by chance in 1995, when he responded to a Serco job advertisement in a local newspaper. At the time, Peter worked on radios, televisions, and, in the old days, tape recorders. The advertisement specified the candidate needed electronics experience, and Peter immediately looked at it and thought, “Traffic lights. They’ve got to be easy…” Peter applied for the role and was successful – and that was the beginning of a long, illustrious career, which he says flew by!
Peter spent much of his career working on permanent signals, specifically electronic repair. Peter reflected, “We used to have to take boards out, look at the components, solder, and test at the roadside. They’ve got it easy now!”
There's no problem Pete can't solve
Peter recalled the greatest challenges were often roadside. In winter months, for example, it was near-on impossible to get a soldering iron up to temperature to make repairs. But like anything, you found a way to make it work. A huge part of Peter’s work was fault-finding. “Something is always fixable,” Peter says. “If it’s worked before, it’ll work again,” – and he’s yet to be defeated!
One of the biggest changes within the industry has been communication. In the early days, Peter was reliant on a pager and radio, and spent much of the time lone-working. So, what kept the fire burning for over 25 years? Peter says that no two days were ever the same. The unpredictability and reactive nature of the work kept him engaged. In balance, Peter’s experience and ability to problem solve made the job easier over time.
Predominantly a Traffic Signals Engineer, Peter also worked as a Highways Electrician, working on safety cameras and variable message signs, which were incredibly valuable skills to transfer across to SRL when Peter joined, around the time as our launch of portable VMS in 2020.
Passing on the legacy
Despite everything he’s achieved over the last 25 years, Peter’s proudest career achievement is bringing his son, Nick, into the sector – teaching him the ropes and watching all that he’s achieved so far... Inspiring Nick, he thinks, started when he was a young boy. Whilst Peter’s wife, Wendy, worked nights as a nurse, there were occasions when Nick would be popped in the car and taken to site whilst Peter worked on emergency repairs.
During his time at SRL, Peter played a key role in the development of two game-changing products, the Multiphase ADS (Adaptive Detection System) and Haul Route PLUS. Working alongside his son, product manager, Nick Yardley, they recognised the potential for traffic lights to become more intelligent and adaptive, reducing queue lengths and improving safety, and set to work on the exciting new project. A very fond memory for Peter, was his last project, Haul Route PLUS, which has been successfully trialled and tested in Cornwall – and successfully went to market in September. Peter and Nick, bit by bit, painstakingly built the first unit by hand over a course of 3-4 months. Peter said, “it was just like a Meccano set”. His commitment to the job, unrivalled.
A living legend
Throughout his tenure, Peter estimates that he’s mentored and trained more than 100 colleagues. A kind and supportive gentleman, he’s always happy to help – and loved guiding young engineers. Peter’s one piece of advice for people starting out in the industry? Keep it Simple, Stupid.
Contract Supervisor at Colas, Chris Moore, adds, “Pete is incredibly knowledgeable and has helped me on many, many occasions. There are still times now that I find myself passing on Pete’s tips and tricks to the guys in my team! Pete also offered me fatherly advice on the ways of the world when I needed it, much of which is probably unrepeatable! It’s worth mentioning he was correct about these matters as well… In my book, and many others’, he’s a living legend.”
Since his retirement, Peter still hasn’t completely switched off. Recognised and respected by colleagues, he still receives calls pertaining to signal queries. His experience is something that can’t be taught.
As a traffic signal engineer, Peter’s contribution to the industry over the last 25 years is inarguable, and through his energy, experience, and effort, he’ll leave a legacy for years to come. Thank you, Peter.
Peter didn't win a Highways Heroes award but that does not detract from a career which saw him leave a lasting legacy on our industry.
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