We are continuing our commitment to making the
district's roads safer with the trial of an anti-skid manhole
cover.
Located in Fryth Way, Nailsea, the new manhole cover was
installed in November.
The reason for the trial is to test a new type of cover. Iron
manhole covers can get very slippery for all road users in wet
conditions. Motorcyclists and cyclists who have fewer points of
contact with the road surface, particularly struggle with the
slippery surface and often find that service covers are located
within their riding line.
The new cover is made from a composite material and has no scrap
value, and is therefore less likely to be stolen.
We are now working with a motorcycle group to monitor and get
feedback from the group into the performance of the cover over the
coming months.
A spokesman for the Motorcycle Action Group said: "Consistent
grip is essential to motorcycles and sudden changes in traction can
be very dangerous. The new design helps to resolve the problems
caused by slippery metal manhole covers and are a significant
development in road safety. We are very pleased that North Somerset
Council is installing them."
Deputy leader and executive member for highways, Cllr Elfan Ap
Rees, said: "We have suffered from thefts of metal covers. These
plastic ones obviously have no scrap value and the manufacturers
claim they will retain their anti-skid properties for their whole
life, which will be good news for those on two wheels.
"I will be following the trial with interest."
It is hoped that if the trial is successful, the council could
provide the covers through routine maintenance schemes in the first
instance and where there are incidents of loss of control/skidding
which may have contributed towards collisions.
A significant proportion of manhole covers in the highway are
owned by utility companies, such as Gas and Water. If the trial is
successful, we hope to work with them to try and improve
safety.
The trial will last for at least six months and during this
period it is hoped that other locations in North Somerset can be
identified.
