S30143 Structures Support for Road Restraints 2025-28

The Safety, Engineering and Standards, Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) team at National Highways require unbiased, independent technical assurance and advice for all aspects of road restraint systems (RRS), such as safety barriers (including bridge parapets), terminals, transitions, crash cushions, vehicle arrester beds, cattle grids, antiglare screens, pedestrian restraint systems and suicide prevention restraints. Tasks completed as part of this Project will assist the National Highways functions of procurement, including the development and maintenance of road restraint standards, investigation of incidents involving road restraint systems, and the operation of road restraint systems on the motorway and trunk road network. The VRS team have the responsibility for setting the operating standards for road restraint systems acceptable for use on the National Highways motorway and trunk road network.

In the absence of any others, these standards have become those adopted by other UK highway authorities. National Highways is the focal point for advising other Overseeing Organisations, Local Authorities, Maintaining Agents, Contractors and Manufacturers on road restraint issues and policy. In order to fulfil its responsibilities concerning the provision of road restraint systems on the motorway and trunk road network, National Highways requires unbiased expert specialist technical assurance, advice and research to investigate the many varied aspects of road restraint systems.

Such advice, guidance and knowledge will assist National Highways to achieve its RIS 3 safety targets by responding accurately and timely to RRS related customer enquiries, Coroner's Inquests (through the provision of expert witnesses as required), and other external and internal enquiries, and hence providing a speedy level of Customer service. This Project will enable the VRS Team to call upon the provider of expert knowledge and resources in support of their work.