Darlington Multi Storey Car Park.

System 3 was developed to fill a critical gap in the market for a flexible, column-mounted vehicle impact barrier for Multi-Storey Car Parks and was adopted during 2024 for Darlington Station MSCP. Unlike traditional floor-mounted systems, it offers faster installation, lower costs, improved safety, and better space efficiency.

One of its key advantages is the ability to be installed as the car park superstructure is being erected, providing instant edge protection for on-site workers. This eliminates the need for temporary edge protection, delivering both safety and cost benefits.

By shifting from a floor-mounted to a column-mounted system, System 3 offers multiple advantages. It eliminates the need for drilling into the deck, significantly reducing hand-arm vibration—one of the biggest occupational health risks in our industry—thereby minimising exposure for installation teams. This not only enhances worker safety but also streamlines the installation process.

Additionally, the system minimises encroachment into parking spaces, maximising bay lengths - a crucial factor given the increasing size of modern vehicles, as highlighted in the latest IStructE recommendations.

Flexibility is at the core of System 3’s design. Its modular components allow for easy adaptation to different layouts without requiring a full redesign. Maintenance is also simplified - if an impact occurs, affected areas can be quickly cordoned off, with replacement components readily available. This minimises downtime and revenue loss for car park operators.

Sustainability is another key benefit. System 3 uses significantly less steel than structural alternatives, leading to substantial carbon savings. By reducing material usage and optimising resource efficiency, it supports the construction industry’s shift toward greener solutions. Its design also aligns with circular economy principles, minimising waste and maximising recyclability.

The system meets the latest safety standards, conforming to BS EN 1991-1 legislation and withstanding impacts up to 300kN. Additional bars can be added to reduce deflection on impact, and the mesh height can be increased to serve as an anti-suicide deterrent, enhancing security.

In summary, System 3 is a groundbreaking solution that redefines car park safety, efficiency, and sustainability. By addressing key challenges in installation, maintenance, cost, and carbon emissions, it sets a new industry benchmark. Offering instant edge protection, reduced material usage and long-term cost savings, System 3 is an innovation that stands out within the barriers industry.