Supporting local authorities with their road signage needs
The Requirement
A large metropolitan local authority needed a long-term supply partner capable of covering the full range of road traffic signage requirements across a busy urban road network: standard permanent and temporary highway signs through to electronic driver feedback signs, signposts and fixings. With a network of that scale, the volume and variety of requirements is significant, and the pressure to deliver quickly is constant.
The Challenge
Managing signage supply for a major urban authority is not a transactional relationship. The requirements are too varied and too frequent for a simple order-and-deliver model to work well. Technical questions come up on specific schemes and unusual specifications need talking through before an order is placed. When something is needed urgently – as it regularly is on a live road network – the supplier needs to be able to respond without the authority having to chase.
Our Approach
From early on in the relationship, we moved beyond a straightforward supply arrangement. When the authority’s team needs to talk through a project, whether that is a complex sign layout, a specification question or a new scheme coming up, they come in and we work through the options together. That kind of technical support, given freely regardless of the size of the job, has become a core part of how we work with them.
On the supply side, we hold reserved capacity in our production schedule to absorb orders as they arrive and put on overtime when urgent requirements come in. Electronic driver feedback signs have been part of the supply since the early years of the relationship, adding a further technical dimension to what we provide. All permanent signs are manufactured to TSRGD specification and UKCA certified for public highway use within our NHSS 9A approved quality management system. Temporary signs are produced to BS 8442.
The Outcome
Products delivered to specification, within budget and within the timeframes agreed, every time. The technical support provided along the way has been described by the authority as irreplaceable.
We have been using Standard Signs and Traffic Systems Ltd for over 30 years to supply and manufacture our road traffic signs.
What I admire the most is the individual approach Standard Signs has towards their clients, by tailoring their services to our specific needs and being able to supply equipment / signs in sometimes ridiculous time scales.
The support from all the team at Standard Signs, has always been exceptional. Their technical assistance is superb and are always happy to help on any project regardless of the size, which has been irreplaceable over the years. Needless to say, all of their products are of exceptional quality and are always delivered within the budget and the timeframe given.
Lead Officer
