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Case study highlights model-practices for highway security

A US$229 million Costain construction site along 14 kilometres of highway has provided material for a model-practice case study issued by UK-based security solution provider VPS Site Security. The Heads of Valleys road follows the southern boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales and is undergoing a major improvements scheme. It presents a significant engineering and environmental challenge to secure safely, including heavy traffic, remote and difficult terrains with numerous access po
October 8, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
A US$229 million 2002 Costain construction site along 14 kilometres of highway has provided material for a model-practice case study issued by UK-based security solution provider VPS Site Security.

The Heads of Valleys road follows the southern boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales and is undergoing a major improvements scheme. It presents a significant engineering and environmental challenge to secure safely, including heavy traffic, remote and difficult terrains with numerous access points, and an ascent of more than 400 metres with limited radio communications.

VPS Site Security has developed a fully integrated protection and monitoring solution using a combination of its mobile CCTV product, the JCB Smart Tower, and human guarding services. The objectives are to protect a number of construction storage sites and materials as well as monitor the traffic flow over the length of the highway being developed.

Deploying an innovative connectivity network, using wireless fluid-mesh communications, 18 JCB Smart Towers are supported by VPS mobile patrols to compliment the security and monitoring service. The design plan has benefited both security and the construction operation, with not only the materials and compounds protected, but also early traffic flow alerts to help meet Costain project schedules and social capital goals.

Costain says the JCB Smart Towers not only keep the compounds and plant secure from theft or vandalism, but also give an early warning of motorists whose vehicles break down along the route and require help. CCTV towers monitored remotely are far safer and less expensive than having more guards patrolling the roads; a solution that combines safety and environmental benefits, with high quality 24/7 security, and a cost-effective result.

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