Modupost helps to drive active travel planning in Bolton

Product: Modupost

Location: Bolton

When Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) needed highly visible pedestrian crossings to encourage more cycling and walking as part of an active travel plan, Modupost was the authority’s first choice.

The eye-catching, illuminated posts and amber globes clearly indicate the location of the zebra crossings to show pedestrians where to cross the road safely, and to alert motorists to reduce their speed.

The Moduposts have been installed with funding from Travel for Greater Manchester’s Active Travel and Integrated Transportation programme. The scheme sets out how good pedestrian and cycle links to key local facilities, such as schools, are vital to lowering carbon on short, local journeys, as well as helping people to improve their health by leading more active lives.

Paul Worthington, Bolton MBC’s Street Lighting and Sign Shop Manager, identified ten sites in the borough for the new pedestrian crossings and a cycle route between Bolton Town Centre and Farnworth.

In specifying the Moduposts, Paul needed a proven solution with a light output that complies with the latest British Standards. He wanted the products to meet the targets for carbon savings and recyclable materials, as well as prioritising ease of installation and maintenance.

With the Moduposts being supplied in two parts, installation of the capped base pole during the civil works stage of the pedestrian crossings construction was quick and easy.

The large base capped unit top meant connections could be carried out by the electricity company, as the distribution network operator’s (DNOs) Independent Connection Providers (ICPs). Thus allowing the council’s lighting team to install the remaining pole and beacon when it suited them.

Paul explains: “In terms of commissioning, the remaining pole and beacon was installed in the morning of the sign off and switch on. It only took two of us 30 minutes. Another advantage was the ease of fitting of the cowls. It’s also good to see that they aren’t obtrusive to the eye once fitted.

Paul added: “Looking ahead, when there may be a need for temporary decommissioning of pedestrian crossings during future civil work etc, Modupost gives us a quick win as we can leave the base pole where it is and just cap the top. The pole/beacon can be brought back to the depot for storage until re-commissioning is required.”

Simmonsigns’ Area Manager, Steve Hobson, worked closely with Paul to survey the sites and ensure the council had the right product for their needs. He explains: “With Bolton’s requirements for a robust, vandal-proof unit with low energy LED illuminated stem and an LED amber globe, it was clear that the Modupost was ideal, meeting all the specifications and more.

“Modupost also provided the flexibility for either a post-top, or mid-post beacon, and an extended post that could feature a floodlight to illuminate the crossing. There was also the option of hi-intensity globe LEDs for additional visibility.”

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