High friction surfacing (HFS) is undoubtedly one of the most effective tools to improve road safety. Deployed in accident blackspots and other areas which are deemed to pose a high risk of collisions, high friction surfacing is designed to increase grip and reduce braking distances, particularly in wet conditions.
High friction surfacing works by combining a binder with an aggregate known as calcined bauxite, which can be applied either hot or cold. The aggregate creates smaller and more numerous points of contact with the tyres of a vehicle, known as high contact pressure points. These improve grip and reduce the chance of skids.
High friction surfacing is most commonly applied to roads, but can also be used in other locations where slipping or a lack of traction could lead to accidents. Since it was first devised in the 1950s, high friction surfacing has reduced the rate of accidents by 57%, and delivers an average first year rate of return of 352%.
High friction surfacing is particularly useful at points where vehicles may need to stop or slow down suddenly. Common locations for high friction surfacing include:
- Junctions
- Pedestrian crossings
- Roundabout approaches
- Cycle lanes
- Bus lanes
- Fast bends
High friction surfacing isn’t just used on the roads, however. Due to its textured appearance, HFS is also commonly used as a decorative surface on paths, car parks and heritage sites. We can supply a range of different coloured aggregates, allowing you to change the look of your high friction surfacing to suit the local environment.
High friction surfacing offers a number of benefits compared to traditional bitumen surfaces:
- Reduces braking distance
- Reduces skid risk
- Improves safety
- Creates visual awareness of blackspots
- Can be used as a decorative surface
Whether it is on the highway, foot paths, cycle paths, bus lanes, warehouses or depots, grip is important for both vehicles and pedestrians. Anywhere that there is a lack of grip – particularly in wet or icy conditions – there is a heightened risk of accidents.
Hi-Way Services Ltd can provide the perfect solution to create a safer environment. We are a approved BBA/HAPAS installer of hot applied, cold applied and MMA applied high friction surfacing to clause 924. Our dedicated high friction surfacing crews operate custom-made HFS vehicles, optimised for both efficiency and effectiveness.
All of our operatives hold NVQ Level 2 Qualification in high friction surfacing, and have over 20 years of experience. And with clients ranging from Highways England and county councils to small contractors, no contract is too big or too small.
Read through our Case Studies page for examples of our past projects, or get in touch with us today to discuss your individual requirements and arrange a free site survey.
