With a raft of construction projects for the new £56 billion HS2 high-speed rail line due to get under way in 2019, Leeds-based vehicle safety specialist SM UK has seen a surge in demand and is predicting over 150 new orders this year, as contractors make sure that they meet the rigorous safety criteria for firms to work on HS2.

SM UK (www.smuk.co.uk), best known for its award-winning HALO cyclist detection system, has been accredited by the national Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) to help businesses with fleets of vehicles improve their safety standards in line with regulations.

Vehicles working on HS2, Crossrail and other Government projects must meet FORS safety standards before contractors can be appointed to work on the schemes.

From its new £2 million vehicle conversion centre in Leeds, SM UK last year helped 72 businesses — with fleets of up to 50 trucks — comply with the stringent FORS safety standards.

Managing director Steve MacDonald said: “We saw a steep escalation in the number of orders in the last couple of months of 2018, and the demand is already increasing again, as we start the new year.

“Our conversion centre is equipped to deal simultaneously with multiple fit-outs, and we are likely to be recruiting new staff in the coming months if the HS2 momentum continues, as we fully expect it to.

“There is also a growing trend among smaller local companies to invest in vehicle safety systems in order to bring them up to the gold, silver or bronze FORS standards.

“From what our SME clients tell us, they are aiming to keep up with their larger competitors.

“Ultimately, this means that our roads and construction sites are becoming safer, with more HGVs fitted with safety systems that give the driver 360deg visibility and warn pedestrians and cyclists when vehicles are turning.”