WJ | Safety and efficiency at heart of WJ’s latest innovation

WJ Group, the UK’s leading road marking company, has announced the introduction of its latest innovation, the WJ Autonomous PreMarker.

Launched at the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) Innovation Festival, the system will mark a transformative step towards safer, more efficient, and precise pre-marking operations. WJ’s latest vehicle eliminates the need to pre-mark by hand, which can present a number of safety hazards to engineers and operatives, while also significantly speeding up the process.

The technology combines real-time kinematics (RTK) augmented GPS-based positioning with machine vision cameras, enabling the vehicle to record the exact location of the longitudinal lines on either side of the vehicle. Upon resurfacing or after surface dressing, the vehicle can return to pre-mark the road, preparing it for the application of new permanent markings.

The Autonomous PreMarker records the road markings at regular traffic speeds, meaning there is no disruption to the public during this step in the process. When pre-marking commences, the system operates as mobile works, reducing traffic management needs while also minimising the amount of time workers are required on-site and the potential hazards they face.

Boasting a user-friendly interface, operators and office staff will be able to monitor maps of documented roads, facilitating detailed planning, improving efficiency and ensuring a high degree of pre-marking precision.

Martin Webb, Chief Operations Officer at WJ Group said: “Highways authorities are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less, and we believe the WJ Autonomous PreMarker represents a significant step forward for us and the entire industry in helping achieve this. We want to work with our partners and clients to get detailed recordings of their networks so we can reinstate the road markings much more efficiently following their surfacing programmes. Consequently, saving them time, money, and disruption to their road users.

“We are always looking to lead the charge in road marking innovation and we are committed to continually improving safety and efficiency in operations. With the introduction of this innovative new system, we are confident we have taken yet another giant leap forward in that mission.”

For more information, please visit www.wj.uk/sustainability/innovation/autonomous-premarker/