Innovative Solution developed for Chapter 8 Chevrons on cars

Colas identified a potential safety risk with the removable magnetic Chapter 8 Chevrons traditionally used for cars visiting worksitesand, together with Farnborough Signs, has developed an innovative solution for the problem.

Across the industry, in order to comply with the Red Book and Chapter 8, operational vehicles have permanent Chapter 8 Chevronmarkings attached with adhesive. However, the change in car manufacturing specifications in recent years has resulted in car boots no longer being metal, but plastic instead. Therefore attaching magnetic Chapter 8 chevrons to plastic boots poses a potential safety risk.

The new Chapter 8 Chevrons can be cut to size and easily attached with both suckers and straps, alleviating the risk of them coming loose or falling off.

Pat Sheehan, Colas Health and Safety Manager, said: “These new Chapter 8 Chevrons are easy to fit and ensure that anyone from Colas out on site is not only meeting the requirements, but is also highly visible. As a company we understand that people usingcompany cars don’t necessarily want permanent chevrons on their vehicles when they are commuting to and from work, so the newones are ideal.”

Robert Cummings, Colas Senior Contracts Manager, added: “We needed to come up with something which was durable, safe and easy to fit. Together with Farnborough Signs, we have developed the new Chapter 8 Chevrons and we are in the process of rolling it out across the company.”

The new chevrons have been trialled on the M3 Project where Colas is working for Balfour Beatty who secured one of Highways England’s largest Traffic Management Schemes in the UK to construct a Smart Motorway covering 15.5 miles of carriageway from junctions 4a to 2.

David Neal, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “The industry needed a workable solution for those visiting worksites in hire cars or company cars. A number of operational staff working on the M3 project have trialled them and the feedback has been very positive. They are extremely quick and easy to fit, but most importantly, improve the visibility of cars and ensure requirements are met.”

Jason Parker, Director of Farnborough Signs, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be asked to work with Colas on this issue. It is not a one size fits all approach, but instead we tailor the Chevrons to fit a variety of different vehicle models.”

For further information about the new Chapter 8 Chevrons, please contact Robert Cummings, email: chevrons@colas.co.uk.