News Release
Plastic Roadway Steals a March on Aluminium
Thame company Terrafirma Roadways, has found the solution to the theft of high-value aluminium temporary road panels. The company has recently been appointed sole UK distributor of the Dura-Base Composite Mat Systems by US manufacturer, Newpark Mat and Integrated Services.
Temporary roadways and working platforms are used for vehicle access across difficult or environmentally sensitive terrain. They are used extensively by utility companies for access across farmland. Other applications include outdoor events, protecting sports stadiums during concerts, and in disaster relief operations.
Traditionally, aluminium panels have been used to provide temporary roadways. Not only do aluminium panels present a great number of health and safety problems, they are extremely susceptible to theft. Aluminium has a high scrap value because it can be melted and reused time and time again. Sites where temporary roadways are in use are frequently in remote locations, so security is a major issue. The traditional aluminium roadway panels are comparatively light-weight which adds to the security problem.
Each aluminium roadway panel is valued at around £1000. With a scrap value in the region of £400 - £450 each, the theft of these panels is a very lucrative business. Contractors or companies using aluminium roadway panels have to employ security guards and round-the-clock surveillance. There are many instances where security guards have been injured or threatened during the perpetration of the theft. Because of the degree of risk, the aluminium panels are now uninsurable.
Having security guards on-site doesn’t prevent the theft of aluminium panels. Often the guards are helpless against the thieves, and can only withdraw and call the police for their own protection.
As well as having considerable environmental and health and safety advantages, the Dura-Base HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Composite Mat System has no security risk. Sites which use the Dura-Base mats can now leave these in place with no risk of theft. The mats, which measure 2.13m x 3.96m and weight 477kg, have no value, other than the use for which they were intended.
Terrafirma Roadways’ Managing Director Hugh Robertson says, “ I had spent some time looking for an alternative to aluminium track panels. We believe the Dura-Base mats out-perform aluminium and have some considerable environmental benefits too. But by far the biggest advantage has to be the zero theft risk. One of our customers has saved an estimated £80,000 this year alone on security costs, and ultimately contractors have to pass these costs on to the end-user.”
|
