SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The Highways Agency launched their new Type 354 Emergency Roadside Telephone (ERT) which signalled the start of a multi million pound programme to replace over 6500 ERTs on the motorway and all purpose trunk road network in England.
The new ERT manufactured by GAI-Tronics is a high-visibility emergency telephone, which can be configured to meet different installation requirements. Unlike its predecessor, the Type 352A (also made by GAI-Tronics), the Type 354 also offers a range of innovative features that greatly improve the clarity and functionality for both the user at the roadside, and for the operator monitoring calls in the Control Office.
By utilising a sophisticated Noise-Cancelling system, the Type 354 gives improved audio performance both for the road user and the Control Office operator. In addition the innovative use of non-voice communications enables the ERT to be used by people who have difficulty communicating in spoken English (e.g. the hard of hearing or non- English speaking).

SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY

A feature of the Type 354 design is its modular construction. This allows the ERT to be installed in a variety of applications such as bridge parapet and tunnel situations as well as the more normal columnar version. There are three main electrical variants: NMCS, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and GSM.
The ERTs many innovative features include:

• display for user prompting, volume control and non-voice communication
• stylish ergonomic design
• patented safety design meeting latest European Standards. BS EN 12767
• environmentally friendly with solar cells and very low power consumption
• low maintenance costs and increased reliability
• rapid installation and replacement
• comprehensive diagnostics including automatic self testing and reporting

For NMCS or PSTN variants of Type 354 ERTs the user simply lifts the handset to initiate a call and to connect to the control facility.   In addition, there is a variant of ERT known as the ‘user service selection’ which allows the user to select a service prior to the initiation of a call and the ERT dials the appropriate telephone number for the service selected.