Are you still using heavy steel plates to cover trenches and excavations?
This video introduces Vanguard’s range of composite road plates and trench covers — a complete system designed to improve safety and efficiency on civil and utility work sites.
If you’d rather read than watch, here’s a clear overview of what the range includes and how it’s typically used.
What are composite road plates?
Composite plates are a modern alternative to traditional steel trench covers.
They are:
-
Built with a steel grid frame
-
Encased in a heavy-duty composite plastic moulding
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
Unlike steel plates, these are designed to be lifted and placed by two people, without the need for machinery.
That difference alone changes how sites operate.
Where are composite plates typically used?
Composite road plates and trench covers are commonly used by:
-
Civil contractors
-
Underground utility companies
-
Infrastructure project teams
They’re used anywhere underground services are being installed and there’s an open:
-
Footpath trench
-
Driveway excavation
-
Road crossing
-
Service pit or hole
The range includes multiple plate types to suit different spans and load requirements.
Safety and operational benefits
The main reason many contractors shift to composite plates is operational efficiency — but safety improvements are just as important.
No lifting equipment required
Composite plates can be moved and installed by two people. That means:
-
No digger or hiab required for placement
-
No machinery hire just to shift plates
-
Reduced manual handling risks compared to heavy steel
Faster site setup and pack-down
Because you’re not waiting on lifting equipment:
-
Transport to site is faster
-
Plates can often remain on-site between stages
-
Traffic management setup time is reduced
No asphalt ramping required
With composite systems, you don’t need to build asphalt ramps around plate edges, which further reduces time and cost.
Built-in safety features
All plates include an anti-slip surface for improved traction.
The road plate systems also feature a three-way securing mechanism designed to prevent plates from shifting off the trench.
Cost considerations
Composite plates typically have a higher upfront cost than steel.
However, when you factor in:
-
Reduced machinery hire
-
Less temporary traffic management costs
-
Faster installs
-
Lower handling risks
…many contractors find they pay for themselves after only a few jobs.
Across the range, pricing typically starts at around $300 for the smallest plates and goes up to approximately $9,000–$10,000 for a full 4-metre-wide road plate system.
(Exact pricing depends on model and configuration.)
The Six Plates in the Range
The composite range includes six core products across trench covers and road plate systems.
Safe Covers
There are two Safe Cover types, each available in two sizes:
1. Standard Safe Cover
Designed for covering smaller excavations and service pits.
2. Low Pro Safe Cover
The Low Pro version includes rubber edging, which:
-
Helps prevent chipping and cracking
-
Provides improved grip on the ground
These are typically used in footpaths, pedestrian areas, and smaller openings.
Road Plate Systems
For larger trench spans and live traffic areas, the range includes two road plate systems:
23/05 Road Plate System
The most popular system in the range rated for up to 44-tonne vehicles over a 1200mm trench span.
15/05 Road Plate System
A smaller system rated for up to 44-tonne vehicles over a 700mm trench span.
These systems are used for covering trenches across live roads while maintaining vehicle access.
Is composite right for every job?
Composite plates solve many of the handling and efficiency issues associated with steel.
However, suitability depends on:
-
Trench width
-
Vehicle loads
-
Project duration
-
Site conditions
Choosing the correct plate type and size is critical to maintaining both safety and compliance.
Want to explore the range further?
If you’d like more detail on specific plate types, load ratings, or applications, you can explore the individual product pages or speak with our team to determine the right option for your project.
