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Supporting the completion of a nationwide programme to install additional emergency areas on motorways

At Telent, we’re making UK motorways safer, by supporting the successful completion of a nationwide programme to install additional emergency areas across the motorway network for National Highways.

As the Service Provider for National Roads Telecommunication Service (NRTS), we’ve been a key enabler for the delivery of essential technology that provide drivers with safer places to stop in an emergency.

Since January 2024, we’ve worked across major motorway routes—including the M1, M3, M4, M5, M20, M25, and M27—to connect the 150+ new Emergency Refuge Areas to the NRTS Network.

What did we deliver?

Installed temporary surface-laid bypass cables at 80 sites across 10 SMART motorway sections, ensuring minimal disruption to National Roads Telecommunication Services (NRTS) connectivity

Reinstated the NRTS cables and provision of new NRTS services following the completion of construction works at each location

Led collaborative planning across the SMP Alliance to ensure all new NRTS services were delivered on time

Supported the Stop Vehicle Detection (SVD) system upgrade at 120 sites on the M25—critical for the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR)

Ensured zero major disruptions to road networks while reinforcing vital safety infrastructure for millions of drivers

This was a massive collaborative effort across the SMP Alliance and our Telent team are proud to have been part of ensuring its success.

Andy Gifford, Director of Highways at Telent

“This was hugely demanding programme which needed a cross-industry team effort to complete. Delivering major programmes like this whilst maintaining the operational performance of the network required intensive planning and technical coordination across all areas of the service. The excellent collaboration with National Highways and the Alliance again highlights Telent’s commitment to delivering outstanding results on time and exceeding ambitious goals. Work was executed flawlessly, earning commendations from both National Highways and the SMP Alliance for our support in achieving this milestone. A huge congratulations to everyone involved—this outstanding achievement showcases our commitment to excellence and delivering results that exceed expectations!”

Toby Bedford, Head of Production at SMP Alliance

“The successful integration of the NRTS programme of work delivered by Telent to facilitate delivery of the NEAR programme has been key to achieving the challenging timescales of the NEAR programme. The behaviours shown throughout have been fantastic, with all parties working collectively towards the outcome, whilst not impacting the operation of the network – a great team effort!”

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