Enabling safer, more inclusive streetworks across the UK
UIS Tooling & Technologies attended the HAUC(UK) Convention 2026, held at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday 23 April 2026. The event marked 40 years of HAUC(UK) and explored the theme “Enabling Future Foundations,” bringing together industry leaders, local authorities, and utility providers to shape the future of street and road network management.
Organised by the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)), the annual convention serves as a key platform for collaboration across the highways and utilities sector. It focuses on improving safety, innovation, and efficiency in street works, supporting better outcomes for both industry and the public.
Industry collaboration on display
Representing UIS on the day, Gavin Iredale was joined by Seema Flower of Blind Ambition to demonstrate the Safe Passage Ramp (SPR) – a product developed through collaboration between UIS Tooling & Technologies, P.F. Cusack, and Blind Ambition.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering solutions that not only meet operational requirements but also address real-world accessibility challenges faced by pedestrians during streetworks.
Introducing the Safe Passage Ramp (SPR)
The UIS Safe Passage Ramp (SPR) is a robust, temporary access solution designed to provide a secure and inclusive pedestrian crossing over live utility works and construction environments.
Where footpaths are disrupted, the SPR creates a clearly defined, level route that enables pedestrians to navigate works safely and with confidence.
Engineered with both safety and inclusivity in mind, the system offers:
- A secure, stable crossing over active works
- An anti-slip surface suitable for all weather conditions
- A specialist tactile finish, approved by a visually impaired accessibility expert
- Safe access for wheelchair users, mobility aids, cyclists, and animals
- Compatibility with utility infrastructure, allowing pipes up to 63mm to run beneath
The ramp is designed to remain firmly in place during use, reducing movement and maximising reliability in high-footfall environments.
Driving accessibility in street works
Improving accessibility is a key focus of the SPR, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or reduced mobility. By incorporating tactile surfaces and stable gradients, the system helps ensure that temporary disruptions do not become barriers to safe movement.
Collaboration with Blind Ambition has been instrumental in refining the design, ensuring it meets practical accessibility needs in real-world environments.
Supporting the future of infrastructure
Participation in the HAUC(UK) Convention reinforces UIS Tooling & Technologies’ commitment to supporting safer, more inclusive infrastructure across the UK.
Events such as this provide an important platform for sharing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and aligning with industry-wide efforts to improve the management of street works and the road network.
Learn more
To find out more about the Safe Passage Ramp or discuss how it could support your next project, contact:
Cusack: sales@cusack.co.uk
UIS: info@uisltd.co.uk
