Improving Road Safety with TMP SightScreen in Essex
In January 2024, TMP were approached by Essex County Council to discuss a joint venture project with National Highways. The challenge was clear. The slip road from the A12 into Colchester at Junction 27 leads directly onto the A133 Spring Lane roundabout, a location well known for accidents.
These incidents were largely the result of driver familiarity. Local motorists often approached the roundabout too quickly, creating a recognised hazard. One established solution in these situations is the use of a sight screen on roundabout approaches. By limiting the driver’s view, the SightScreen encourages vehicles to slow down, almost come to a stop, and check right before joining the roundabout.
TMP were asked to advise on SightScreen specifications, including height and installation process. Working with Ringway Jacobs and Essex County Council, the project developed throughout 2024. After being costed and finalised in November, installation took place in February 2025. TMP attended the site shortly afterwards to review the installation and capture photographs.
Early feedback from Essex County Council and Ringway Jacobs has been positive. While accident reduction data will take time to collect, the SightScreen is already proving effective in encouraging safer driving behaviour.
Why the TMP SightScreen?
The SightScreen is derived from TMP’s proven Evo-Chev design. Built from flexible blades, the system is both modular and replaceable. If impacted, individual blades can be swapped out without replacing the entire screen.
Each blade is mounted on an independent knuckle, providing a clear advantage over competitor products. This design ensures the SightScreen is not only durable but also motorcycle friendly, an important consideration for road safety.
Ease of Transport and Installation
The SightScreen is supplied in sections, making transportation simple and cost effective. Installation uses foundations similar in principle to TMP’s Retroreflective Self Righting Bollard, though scaled for the larger structure. This straightforward approach keeps the process efficient while maintaining robust performance.
Performance and Safety
The system is designed with sacrificial fixings between the blades. In the event of an impact, these allow the SightScreen to rebound and maintain uniformity. Sharing its design principles with the Evo-Chev means its resilience is already well proven.
The A12/A133 SightScreen installation demonstrates how TMP works collaboratively with councils and contractors to deliver safety improvements on high-risk sites. Modular, impact-resistant, and easy to install, the TMP SightScreen is a practical solution for improving driver behaviour and reducing accidents at roundabouts and junctions across the UK.
