WJ Group has been gearing up to support highway authorities with design, innovative products, rapid deployment and installation of
demarcation solutions for pop-up cycle and walking routes.
With the coronavirus crisis likely to continue for some months at least,
the concern is that people will shy away from public transport and
revert to using their own cars. Consequently there is an urgent need to make the alternatives of cycling and walking safer and more attractive. Lack of traffic has made safe road space available cyclists and pedestrians of all generations and the government is keen to continue this beyond lockdown and into the ‘new normal’, to avoid the risk of increased pollution, congestion and create a safe space for everyone to travel.
The recent launch by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps £2 billion funding initiative to boost healthier, greener, active transport will make that active travel possible as the UK cautiously endeavours to lift the lockdown imposed by the pandemic.
With the first stage of this funding, totalling £250 million, being made available within weeks, markings specialist, WJ has already started to work with authorities to install markings for more cycle lanes and social distancing footway demarcation in line with measures identified by the Department for Transport.
Under a key worker status, the WJ Group adopted Public Health England and Construction Leadership Council guidelines to remain operational throughout the COVID-19 crisis and are now ideally positioned to
help clients respond to these new urgent measures and relieve the pressure on public transport.
Martin Webb, WJ Group Operational Director, said “We are in a strong position to provide the resources, products and expertise to rapidly deliver temporary, permanent and specialist markings to help support these active transport schemes” WJ are employing a range of high performance thermoplastics, paints and preformed markings for permanent solutions but also advising on temporary markings with tape, self-adhesive studs and their innovative Applied Media floor signage to create more flexibility.
For some time, the Applied Media floor graphic system has been approved for use by TfL on the London Underground, used for London Pride rainbow crossings and very recently used for NHSNightingale Hospital bus shuttle and social distancing measures on the Dockland Light Railway.
WJ has extensive experience particularly in temporary markings, most notably providing all the markings for the London 2012 Olympic Route Network, whilst also being the current lead provider of markings for Highways England across the Strategic Road Network.
The company are ensuring they can continue to play their part responsibly, effectively and safely with the appointment a Coronavirus Coordinator within the business. It is understood that this key role has been and will be in place for as long as necessary with responsibility to closely monitor and coordinate the effectiveness of CORVID-19 safety measures within the
WJ operation.
