Roads article

The Incident Support Unit (ISU) Service was introduced to all three Connect Roads HA concessions in 2008, and since inception, Connect, through its supply chain partner Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services, has dealt with over 4000 incidents on the M1-A1, A50 and A30/A35. Working 16 hours per day, 365 days of the year the 4 ISU vehicles and 29 ISU operatives have worked through all weathers and conditions to assist the HA in maintaining safe and efficient trunk roads and motorways. The ISUs patrol the network, identifying and removing any hazards identified, and responding to requests from the Emergency Services or HA Regional Control Centres.      

Over 85% of these incidents were identified by the ISUs during the course of their routine patrols, meaning that debris in the road or other hazards to road users are removed or dealt with before causing delay, disruption or injury. Additionally the ISUs have responded to over 600 requests form the emergency services or HA Traffic Officer Service to provide assistance at incidents. 

The type and variety of incidents attended has varied, from clearing up debris and oil following a road traffic collision, to notifying the emergency services of an unconscious road user in a stationary vehicle in lane 1 of the M1; closing the live lanes and making the area safe until the ambulance arrived. 

Over the course of the year the ISUs have met or surpassed the contract requirements in responding to requests to attend incidents (20 minutes for M1-A1, 45 minutes for A50 and A30/A35).

No two days events are ever the same, however the commitment of Connect to delivering a safe and efficient highways remains resolute.