SRL Traffic Systems Limited has the UK’s largest fleet of portable and temporary traffic signals, providing equipment as an essential service across the country in a market with limited cyclicality, underpinned by regulatory and safety requirements and multifaceted growth drivers.
SRL Traffic Systems consists of four divisions:
SRL’s management and operation teams adopt a very hands-on approach to running the business. Their passion and commitment to the traffic management industry, has made SRL what it today, with over 200 employees, 150 specialist vehicles, operating from 30 strategic depots (Hire, ITS, U64) to ensure close proximity to major customers, future-proofed technology and significant investment in quality, reliable and easy to use products coupled with outstanding customer service. SRL has been instrumental in shaping the portable traffic signal market in the UK.
Equipment Hire
Rental of temporary traffic signals on ad-hoc or contract term. Our specialist hire fleet consists of over 10,000 signals, 1,700 pedestrian posts, 850 trailers, 500 temporary signals and 160 rapid responses, with the fleet growing on a daily basis.
Manufacturing / Technical
Sale of temporary traffic signals and parts. This division now has the capacity to manufacture over 4,000 signals and supporting products per annum.
Urban64®
Rental of intelligent temporary traffic signals. This division can now deliver large scale and complex solutions to 50 live sites.
Intelligent Transport Systems
Rental and sale of VMS, CCTV, security barriers and other products. This division is growing rapidly with over 450 VMS, nearly 100 CCTV, a plethora of Instaboom & Instaboom LITE, and related products available.
1997 – 2000
SRL was formed in 1997 after its founders identified a gap in the market for a temporary traffic signal that did not rely on a back-up power generator or require civils. Within two years and following European Court case rulings, the company achieved type approval for the industry’s first temporary two-way traffic signals in 1999 and manufacturing began.
2001 – 2004
The company was committed to expanding its range of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions to meet the evolving needs of the traffic management sector. Harnessing leading-edge technologies, it developed - and in 2003 achieved type approval for - multi-phase traffic signals. By 2004, the new Traffic Management Act provided the sector with a structured regulatory safety regime.
2005 – 2008
SRL’s ambitious research and development programme continued apace, with the creation of its first temporary signal designed to help pedestrians navigate roadworks with safety and efficiency. It embarked on a two-year consultation process and a further European Court case to achieve type approval.
2009 – 2012
Type approval for the new pedestrian signal was finally achieved in 2009. Against the backdrop of ongoing technical innovation, SRL established a new hire division. Not only did the new operation provide customers with top quality kit, it also offered rapid, 24/7 support that was not available from traditional plant hire companies.
2013 – 2016
The company set its sights on the development of an integrated solution to coordinate multi-directional flows of traffic and pedestrians. The new Urban64 division was formed, providing the only intelligent temporary traffic light solution featuring the same microprocessor optimised vehicle actuation (MOVA) technology as permanent systems, along with full Traffic Management Control (UTMC) connectivity.
2017 – 2020
In 2018, SRL entered into the first of several partnerships with other big-name manufacturers, signing an exclusive UK and RoI variable message sign (VMS) hire deal with SWARCO. An Intelligent Transport Systems division was established. And in 2019, with an eye on the tremendous growth opportunities ahead, the company’s executive team undertook a management buy-out, supported by LDC and Crescent Capital.
2021 – 2024
The company was flying. It opened a 6,000 sq ft Research and Development Centre and signed partnerships with safety barrier manufacturers Solar Gates, CLD Physical Security Systems, along with a slew of pioneering solutions were launched, including the award-winning Haul Route PLUS and Solar PLUS, the first solar technology for mobile signals. The company was bought by investment company 3i Infrastructure. SRL now boasts a team of 250 people and the industry’s largest nationwide distribution network of 30 depots, facilitating a competitive two-hour response time as well as 24/7 service. We offer a comprehensive suite of solar/hybrid sustainable temporary and portable ITS solutions, including traffic and pedestrian signals, VMS, safety barriers, CCTV cameras and ANPR.
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