Safety in public places has never been a bigger issue — and road safety consultant Saferoads is hoping to take advantage with new bollards that can stop cars up to 2.3 tonnes.
Saferoads (ASX:SRH) — a $5 million ASX-listed minnow — has traditionally offered road safety products such as crash cushions, guide posts, traffic signs and light poles.
But increasing public concern about wayward vehicles has shifted their focus to public safety bollards.
In January six people were killed when a driver deliberately ploughed his car through a pedestrian mall in Melbourne’s CBD.
In Nice last year 85 people were killed when a terrorist drove a heavy truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day.
The newly developed Saferoads Omni-stop Super-Duty bollard could stop a vehicle up to 2.3 tonnes or the equivalent of the majority of Australia’s SUVs and four-wheel drives.
Not everyone is happy about the unsightly concrete blocks that are now commonplace in public spaces.
So Saferoads is now using software to design alternate solutions that are safe and also blend into the urban environment.
Based in Packenham, Victoria, Saferoads also make a range of other products such as lighting and electronic traffic signs to local councils, road construction companies and equipment hire companies across Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Saferoads (ASX:SRH) reported a slim profit of $118,000 last year on revenue of $16.9 million.
That compared to a loss of $116,000 on revenue of $15.9 million the previous year.
Saferoads shares closed at 13c on Friday, close to their 12-month high of 14c.