Abloy UK highlights urgent need for enhanced security across highways infrastructure

Security expert Abloy UK is highlighting the urgent need for greater security and access control on highways critical infrastructure across the UK, with many bridges, viaducts and tunnels at significant and costly risk of theft, vandalism and unauthorised access. 

Instances of metal theft, graffiti, and property damage have been steadily rising, with critical infrastructure such as construction sites and transport assets being frequent targets.

For example, the construction industry faces an estimated annual loss of £800 million due to theft, with 92% of construction site managers reporting theft and 91% experiencing vandalism on their sites​.

What’s more, bridges and tunnels, particularly in remote or less trafficked areas, are vulnerable to graffiti, arson, and damage from unauthorised access. Underbridges and viaducts often require costly repairs due to vehicle impact or intentional damage​.

The loss or damage of infrastructure due to criminal activity not only leads to expensive repairs but can also severely disrupt the transportation network, impact the economy, and jeopardise public safety.

David Rock, Market Development Manager – Transport, at Abloy UK, explains: “These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for robust security and access control solutions across highways and transportation networks. With these vital assets at heightened risk, it’s imperative that measures are implemented to protect them from potential disruptions and maintain public safety.

“To address these issues, we are advising that these types of assets within the highways infrastructure are secured with either superior mechanical, electromechanical or digital locking solutions, to mitigate the risk of theft, damage or vandalism.”

With this in mind, it is recommended that mechanical padlocks used in highways environments are rated to LPS 1654 Issue 1.0. This is the latest LPCB standard for physical security and is seen as the ultimate test for padlocks, incorporating the most stringent physical attack tests, intentionally designed to meet the security needs of the UK’s critical infrastructure.

Padlocks that achieve LPCB approval to LPS 1654 have performed effectively in rigorous test programmes conducted by the BRE’s highly experienced team of attack testers.

The benefit of LPS 1654 is that the locks are tested to mirror, as closely as possible, the types of attacks that a padlock might encounter in the real world, as opposed to a laboratory.

Padlocks should be graded 1 – 4 and have the “+” security rating, demonstrating that the padlock also meets the requirements defined in Annex A 6 of BS 3621 :2007 + A2 2012 and manipulation resistance class 1 defined in LP1242 Issue 2.

Abloy UK can play a critical role in enhancing security through advanced access control solutions. Its robust, high-security locks and access management systems offer security solutions that are resistant to tampering.

Abloy’s mechanical locks utilise patented disc detainer mechanisms, providing enhanced protection against drilling, picking, and other tampering methods. They are tested to LPS 1654 Issue 1.0 and a range of padlocks with security ratings ranging from 2+ to 4+ are available.

Built with rugged materials, the Abloy mechanical locks are also designed to endure extreme weather and resist corrosion and boast IP68 ingress protection rating, making them suitable for use on bridges, tunnels, and other exposed infrastructure elements.

Plus, the company’s patented key systems allow access permissions to be controlled by issuing specific keys to authorised individuals only, helping to prevent unauthorised entry and deterring vandalism.

With Abloy’s digital solutions such as PROTEC2 CLIQ and BEAT digital keyless padlock, organisations can take access control one step further and monitor and manage access permissions remotely. This ensures that only authorised personnel with the correct key can gain access to critical areas.

These systems also provide efficient key management, reducing the risk of lost or stolen keys by offering secure, digital alternatives. With programmable electronic keys, any access permissions can be easily updated or revoked as needed, ensuring quick response times and better control over who can access specific locations.

Furthermore, every time an electromechanical or digital key is used it generates an audit trail allowing identification of who has accessed which asset.

All Abloy locks require minimal maintenance and do not rely on power sources, reducing the need for frequent inspections and lowering long-term operating costs. This makes them a practical choice for remote or difficult-to-reach locations.

David concludes: “Abloy UK is committed to supporting the highways sector in securing vital infrastructure and preventing costly disruptions. By implementing comprehensive access control solutions, highways authorities can enhance their security provision and mitigate the risk of theft and vandalism across critical sites.”

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK, email [email protected] or call 01902 364 500.

Contact:

Abloy UK,
Portobello Works,
School Street,
Willenhall,
West Midlands,
WV13 3PW

Phone: 01902 364500
Fax: 01902 364501

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