Oxford 15/05 Road Plate PRESS RELEASE
Oxford Plastics challenge the concept of using metal road plates

Steel road plates as commonly used on construction projects are awkward, heavy and potentially dangerous to site workers and members of the public. Such a comment is all it took to ignite the imaginations of innovators within Oxford Plastics and a new concept is borne - the Oxford 15/05 Road Plate.

For contractors steel road plates represent the need for heavy lifting machinery to install and remove adding cost and logistical planning to a project plan.

In extreme situations the use of metal plates can result in serious health and safety incidences to contractor employees if dropped or used carelessly. For motorcyclists, drivers and pedestrians rain and contaminants can create slippery surfaces and if used on uneven terrain can increase the risk of a hazardous trip incident.

To the wider community, noise and vibration nuisance is heightened with the use of metal, so not ideal in residential areas with high traffic volumes.

Not so the Oxford 15/05 Road Plate. Compression moulded from glass reinforced polyester and weighing 35kg, this road plate can be easily lifted into position by two people.

Each road plate is fitted with heavy duty steel linking brackets which slot the plates together securely "locking" the sections. Plates must then be bolted to the ground preventing movement.

Each plate has undergone rigorous testing in partnership with Loughborough University to an equivalent weight of a 125 tonne vehicle. Such traffic is then slowed for greater safety and reduced noise pollution, by the distinctive yellow ramp design. Retroreflective triangular panels built into the surface give maximum visibility for pedestrians and workers alike.

This alternative concept in road plates has been developed by Oxford Plastics and is available through a distributor network.