Impact Recovery System’s SlowStop moves into the fast lane

For around three years Texas-based Impact Recovery Systems had been distributing the modular made-in-Belgium SlowStop Bollard, previously called SoftStop, in the United States. But since November, the company bought the world rights for the system from its inventor, Gerard Wolters.
April 5, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Greg Hannah of Impact Recovery Systems with the SlowStop Bollard

For around three years Texas-based 543 Impact Recovery Systems had been distributing the modular made-in-Belgium SlowStop Bollard, previously called SoftStop, in the United States. But since November, the company bought the world rights for the system from its inventor, Gerard Wolters.

The basic sprung unit is a cast iron riser housing a large natural rubber ring – elastomer – into which a hollow steel bollard tube is inserted. Installation starts with the base’s being screwed onto a concrete surface. No special securing tools are needed, nor core drilling.

The beauty of this construction, said Impact Recovery president Greg Hannah, is that various preventative barrier formations can easily be configured.

The posts are able to bend 20 degrees from vertical as it progressively absorbs energy to soften the impact of the vehicle. This makes the product also ideal for distribution centres and any areas where slow moving vehicles may come into contact with objects, such as warehouses and distribution centres.

The company’s “bread and butter” product is its mechanical steel spring sign posts that are favoured by municipal and regional government’s since 1991, said Hannah, who has been with the company since it started. Many are used as street furniture for directional road signs. But there is also a large market in Europe and the United States for use along bicycle paths, he said.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Durable traffic post developed by Pexco
    March 25, 2014
    Long life is a key feature of the durable Pexco City Post. This new product has undergone extensive testing at the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), with 12 posts surviving a series of 99 vehicle impacts at a speed of 100km/h. The 100th impact test was even carried at a 112km/h and the products were able to withstand this without damage.
    Read More
  • Green light for BrazilRAP São Paulo
    May 29, 2024
    Brazilian state will use iRAP methodology to assess safety of its highway network
    Read More
  • London’s strategy to tackle air quality problems
    October 21, 2014
    Colin Sowman talks to Matthew Pencharz, the man charged with charting London’s path between catering for traveller needs, conserving ancient buildings and conforming to modern air quality standards.
    Read More
  • First time appearance by Watts Street Furniture
    February 19, 2018
    Watts Street Furniture, a first-time exhibitor at Intertraffic Amsterdam, will feature its Impact Flex Bollard. This 100% weather- proof, scratch resistant bollard can be driven over/hit and will revert back to the upright position again without causing any damage to the ground or the bollard itself. The Impact Flex has the appearance of a normal bollard and is available in both contemporary and heritage designs. Made from no-maintenance and cost-efficient polyurethane (Terrathane), it has a fully
    Read More

Highlighted Content