Skip to main content

RSMA hosts 16th and largest conference in Nottingham, England

The Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) this week held its 16th and largest annual conference at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, England. Under the title ‘Roadmarking 2013 Safety Through Innovation’, the event on 13-14 November included a host of presentations from leading transport and specific road marking industry figures based in the UK and Europe dealing with technological and practical innovations relating to road marking-led road safety. Jenny Moten, divisional director for Network Services at th
November 15, 2013 Read time: 3 mins
RSSThe 5149 Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) this week held its 16th and largest annual conference at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, England.

Under the title ‘Roadmarking 2013 Safety Through Innovation’, the event on 13-14 November included a host of  presentations from leading transport and specific road marking industry figures based in the UK and Europe dealing with technological and practical innovations relating to road marking-led road safety.

Jenny Moten, divisional director for Network Services at the 2309 Highways Agency (HA), outlined how the Government policy paper ‘Action for Roads’, which includes changes to the running of the HA and a commitment of US$44.924 billion (£28 billion) for road maintenance between 2015 and 2020, may change the road marking sector and the work of the HA within it.

Conor Fitzgerald, engineering inspection at the National Road Authority (NRA) in Ireland, described the approach the NRA takes on road markings and how positive monitoring by contractors is being used to underwrite the performance of their network, while also limiting costs, during tough economic times.

Other key speakers were Dr Lisa Dorn, research director at Driver Metrics, who is leading a team of psychologists working with the private and public sector on research concerned with driver behaviour; and Tobias Lotz, development engineer, driver assistance technologies, at 3423 Ford, who spoke about that while innovations in in-car technology are rapidly improving safety levels for drivers, it must be compatible with basic highway infrastructure to make the most of these advances.

A wide variety of workshop sessions looked at projects including 777 TRL’s InRoads and Safer Cycling Innovations; Michael Gatscha, of Neurotraffic, Austria, talking about driver reaction in wet/night conditions; and the Dark Skies initiative and research in Galloway Forest Park in Scotland.

Meanwhile, a host of leading road marking sector firms such as the 7819 Hitex International Group, the event’s main sponsors, 152 3M, 173 Borum, and 1658 Hofmann were among exhibitors during the conference, showcasing their latest machines and technology.

The two-day conference also incorporated Safer Surfacing 2013, and, for the first time, the Annual RSMA Health and Safety Forum Event.

On the importance of the conference, RSMA national director George Lee said, “In the last few years we’ve taken a much broader and more international approach to the event. It’s such a melting pot of different ideas and different initiatives that actually play out in every different aspect of our industry.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Machines on the road
    February 20, 2012
    According to Danish road marking equipment manufacturer Borum, for road marking contractors completing a project on time and on budget requires the right machines, materials, and a skilled operator. "But, even with a great team and perfect road marking conditions, issues can arise that effect operations and require support. And that's when a road marking equipment supplier who can provide quick back-up, reliable service and onsite training is vital," says the company.
  • Funding secured for Data Sustains Life project
    February 3, 2025
    The UK’s TRL and University Hospital Southampton will collaborate on collision data to improve the safety of roads for all users.
  • IRF and Roads Australia to host major Conference
    November 21, 2014
    Call for abstracts open! Road industry leaders from across Asia and the Pacific will descend on Sydney in May 2015 for the first ever joint regional conference hosted by the International Road Federation (IRF) Geneva and Roads Australia (RA). The IRF – RA Regional Conference for Asia and Australasia will take place in Sydney between 4-7 May 2015, coinciding with the United Nations’ Global Road Safety Week. Road safety will be a key theme of the Conference, alongside innovation and value-for-money procuremen
  • High marks for road marking solutions
    December 3, 2013
    A novel solution based on a leading road marking manufacturer’s proven marking technology is keeping elderly residents safe in a French residential development. Guy Woodford reports on this and other major road marking products and their applications By 2050, it is estimated that 45% of European Union citizens will be over 60. Many authorities have been working to develop and implement safety standards that will ensure enhanced mobility for their local elderly population. As part of their implementation,