Tuesday 13 October 2026

No vehicle incursions recorded in A12 TfL barrier trial

Hill & Smith’s portable barrier stopped vehicle incursions during a month-long Costain trial on the A12, enhancing safety and reducing delays at a busy site access point.

Highways & Construction
October 13, 2026
Incursion Defender portable barrier deployed at Gallows Corner Flyover A12 TfL refurbishment site
Incursion Defender portable barrier deployed at Gallows Corner Flyover A12 TfL refurbishment site
|InfrastructureTraffic ManagementSafety SystemsConstructionHighways

A month-long live trial of Incursion Defender on the A12, Eastern Avenue, recorded zero vehicle incursions at a key site access point.

The portable, modular barrier was deployed by Costain on its Transport for London (TfL) refurbishment and strengthening scheme for the Gallows Corner Flyover. The project involves heavy traffic, multiple access points and constant public interaction.

Ten vehicle movements, no incursions

Incursion Defender replaced existing barriers at a high-use entrance with at least ten vehicle movements daily. Previous incidents had shown the site vulnerable to unauthorised vehicle access, including one driver breaching several barriers.

The new barrier acted as a controlled gate, physically and visually deterring unauthorised vehicles while allowing legitimate traffic to move freely.

Tool-free, quick deployment

The system features lightweight components and a tool-free design that requires no ground fixings. It can be set up by operatives across a standard road width in 10 minutes.

Its modular construction allowed rapid repositioning to reflect daily operational needs. Optional wheel configurations enabled temporary quick access, reducing delays during frequent vehicle movement periods.

Maintaining site security and traffic flow

By combining strong physical protection with ease of movement, Incursion Defender helped Costain maintain strict site security without disrupting traffic flow for construction vehicles, local residents and emergency services.

The barrier brought determined vehicles to a controlled stop, protecting both workforce and road users at a high-risk access point.

Real-world benefits for contractors

Andy Reddy, Traffic Management Manager at Costain, said: “From an operational perspective, Incursion Defender made a noticeable difference. The ease of portability and management was critical on a site where access points are in constant use. It gave us the flexibility we needed without compromising on control or safety.”

Dave Todd, Managing Director of Hill & Smith Infrastructure, added: “Vehicle incursions remain one of the most significant risks in our sector and the industry has needed a solution that addresses this without introducing additional risk elsewhere. This trial with Costain demonstrates exactly what Incursion Defender was designed to achieve; a change in how vehicle incursions are managed, while improving safety for both the workforce and vehicle occupants.”

The trial highlights Incursion Defender’s role in modern UK traffic management, raising safety standards and supporting efficient site operation.

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