A crash barrier, method of production and method of installation thereof

Abstract

A crash barrier 1 comprises a support member 5 and a barrier member 2. The barrier includes a front surface and is mounted to the support member so that it is spaced from a support surface. At least part of the front surface is inclined at an acute angle to a height direction to provide a ramp surface to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier. The barrier may include upper and lower barrier members and a mounting device 4. The mounting device may comprise support, mounting and forcing members and a receiving space. The lower barrier 3 may be mounted to the mounting member and the receiving space may be provided in one of the mounting or support members. An impact force exerted on the lower barrier causes relative movement of the receiving and forcing members. A kit of parts for a barrier includes a barrier member mounted to a support member. A method of producing and installing a barrier includes the steps of providing a support member on a surface and mounting a barrier member to the support member.

Description

5 The present invention relates to a crash barrier, to a kit of parts of the crash barrier, to a method of production of a crash barrier and to a method of installation of a crash barrier. Background of the Invention 10 Crash barriers are positioned at suitable locations on vehicle paths, for example along the sides of roads, in the middle of a dual carriageway, on a motorway, etc., to keep vehicles in their correct paths (e.g. lanes) and to prevent them from colliding with roadside obstacles or vehicles in other paths 15 (e.g. lanes) . Crash barriers typically comprise a barrier member mounted to a support surface (e.g. the ground) by a plurality of mounting devices, positioned along the length of barrier member. It is desirable, and often necessary under road safety 20 regulations, for crash barriers to prevent a vehicle that impacts the crash barrier from rolling over the crash barrier. This is particularly the case in relation to trucks and lorries for example . This provides various engineering and design challenges. 25 The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned problems. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved crash barrier. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved 30 method of production of a crash barrier. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved method of installation of a crash barrier. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a crash barrier comprising: a support member for mounting on a support surface; the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction; a barrier member that extends lengthwise generally in a longitudinal direction, the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; the barrier member is mounted to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a height direction; wherein along at least part of the length of the barrier member, at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly relative to the height direction at an acute angle, to provide a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member. The ramp surface may counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member since, as the vehicle impacts the barrier member, the vehicle may slide up the ramp surface, in particular a rear part of the vehicle, which acts to counter the roll of the vehicle. Optionally the at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, relative to the height direction at an acute angle. In this respect, optionally the at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly, relative to the height direction at an acute angle. Optionally the barrier member is an upper barrier member and the crash barrier comprises a lower barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction. Optionally the crash barrier comprises a mounting device comprising: the support member; a mounting member; a forcing member, and a receiving space; wherein: the lower barrier member is mounted to the mounting member; the receiving space is provided in one of the mounting member or support member and the forcing member is mounted to the other of the mounting member or support member; the forcing member is mounted in the receiving space such that the mounting member is mounted to the support member; the receiving space has a first part and a second part connected to the first part by a connecting part of the receiving space; when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space, the connecting part has a width, defined by opposed sides of the connecting part, that is less than the width of the forcing member; and when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space and the mounting member is in an in-use orientation relative to the support member, the mounting member extends from the support member in a direction that has at least a component in a lateral direction such that the lower barrier member is spaced from the support member in a direction that has at least a component in the lateral direction; and wherein the forcing member and receiving space are configured such that, in use, when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space: when an impact force is exerted on the lower barrier member, that acts to urge relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member, in the relative direction in which the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part, with a magnitude greater than or equal to a threshold magnitude, the opposed sides of the connecting part are forced away from each other, by contact of at least one side of the receiving space with the forcing member, such that the width of the connecting part is increased to an extent that allows relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member such that the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part, with resultant movement of the mounting member relative to the support member such that said at least component in the lateral direction, that the lower barrier member is spaced from the support member is decreased. The above arrangement of the forcing member and receiving space may provide a mounting device for a barrier member of a crash barrier that can be easily tuned to provide a desired response of the crash barrier, to a vehicle impact. In this respect, it may provide a desired force deflection curve of the crash barrier that has a peak, caused by the forcing apart of the opposed sides of the connecting part of the receiving space, that then drops down to a lower level, that is then maintained as the forcing member travels (relative to the receiving space) along the second part of the receiving space. The magnitude and location of the peak can be controlled by suitable design of the forcing member and receiving space, in particular the connecting part of the receiving space. In addition, this may lower the overall deflection distance of the barrier . Furthermore, as the time of the impact is increased, the force of the impact that is exerted on the barrier is reduced. Optionally the support member extends in a lateral direction between a front of the support member, for facing a vehicle path in use, and a rear of the support member, for facing away from a vehicle path in use. Optionally when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space and the mounting member is in an in-use orientation relative to the support member, the mounting member extends from the front of the support member in a direction that has at least a component in the lateral direction. Optionally when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space and the mounting member is in an in-use orientation relative to the support member, the mounting member extends from the support member in a direction that is substantially parallel to the lateral direction. Optionally the forcing member is mounted to said other of the mounting member or support member such that the forcing member is translationally fixed relative to said other of the mounting member or support member. Optionally the forcing member is mounted to said other of the mounting member or support member such that the forcing member is rotationally fixed relative to said other of the mounting member or support member. The crash barrier is for use with a vehicle path to provide a barrier to vehicles. Optionally, at least part way along the length of the second part from the connecting part, the opposed sides of the second part are configured such that when the opposed sides of the connecting part are forced away from each other by said contact of at least one side of the receiving space with the forcing member, said opposed sides of the second part, at least part way along the length of the second part from the connecting part, are substantially parallel to each other. As the opposed sides of the second part are substantially parallel to each other, at least part way along the length of the second part from the connecting part, whilst the forcing member moves relative to the second part, along the second part, this may provide for a relatively controllable force deflection, during that latter part of the vehicle impact. Optionally when the forcing member is located in the first part, the width of the second part tapers linearly from a location at least part way along the length of the second part from the connecting part, to the connecting part, such that when the opposed sides of the connecting part are forced away from each other, by said contact of at least one side of the receiving space with the forcing member, said opposed sides of the second part, at least part way along the length of the second part from the connecting part, are substantially parallel to each other. The linear taper of the width of the second part (prior to a vehicle impact) may provide a reliable means of providing the above arrangement of parallel sides of the second part, as the forcing member moves along the second part. Optionally the opposed sides of the connecting part are so forced away from each other by contacting surfaces of the forcing member and receiving space and wherein at least one of said contacting surfaces is a ramp surface that is inclined relative to the direction of relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part. The ramp surface may provide for a relatively smooth and controllable force deflection response of the crash barrier assembly, as the forcing member forces the opposed sides of the connecting part apart. Optionally the ramp surface is curved. Optionally said contacting surface of the forcing member is convexly curved and said contacting surface of the receiving space is concavely curved. Optionally the forcing member has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Optionally the forcing member is mounted in the receiving space such that the receiving space and forcing member are rotatable relative to each other, so that the mounting member is rotatable relative to the support member. This may provide a flexibility in the design of the impact response of the crash barrier assembly, for example it may allow a crash barrier to be raised upwardly, during an impact, to counter roll of the vehicle. Optionally the receiving space extends from a first end to a second end, wherein the first and second ends of the receiving space are closed. Optionally the receiving space is a slot. Optionally the forcing member comprises a retaining part configured to retain the mounting of the forcing member in the receiving space, whilst allowing said relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member. Optionally: the mounting member is a first mounting member and the mounting device comprises a second mounting member that the lower barrier member is mounted thereto; each of the first and second mounting members extend from a first end to a second end, the lower barrier member being mounted to each first end; said mounting of the first mounting member to the support member, by the mounting of the forcing member in the receiving space, is at a first mounting location on the support member; and the second end of the second mounting member is mounted to the support member at a second mounting location on the support member; wherein the first and second mounting locations are spaced apart along the support member; and the first and second mounting members are configured to pivot relative to each other, as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part and along at least part of the length of the second part. The use of first and second mounting members, configured to pivot relative to each other, to accommodate said relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member, may provide for an impact response of a crash barrier assembly that is relatively controllable and robust. For example, the first and second mounting members may be arranged such that the crash barrier follows a predetermined path during the impact, i.e. during said relative movement of the forcing member and receiving space. This may, for example, allow a crash barrier to be raised upwardly, during an impact, to counter roll of the vehicle. Optionally the first ends of the first and second mounting members are pivotally mounted to each other to provide said pivoting of the first and second mounting members relative to each other. Optionally the second mounting member is slidably mounted to the support member, at the second mounting location, such that the second end of the second mounting member can slide relative to the support member, as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part and along at least part of the length of the second part. Optionally: the first and second mounting locations are spaced apart along the support member such that when the support member is in an in-use orientation, in which the support member extends in a height direction, the first and second mounting locations are spaced apart in the height direction; and wherein the second mounting member is configured such that the first ends of the first and second mounting members, that in-use the barrier member is mounted thereto, are raised upwardly as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part and along at least part of the length of the second part. This may allow a crash barrier to be raised upwardly, during an impact, to counter roll of the vehicle. Optionally during said relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member, the attachment part moves along a curved path. Optionally the receiving space is provided in the mounting member and the forcing member is mounted to the support member. Optionally the forcing member is part of a retaining member and an end of the retaining member, located on an opposite side of the support member to the mounting member, is located in a recess in said opposite side of the support member such that the end of the retaining member does not protrude past said opposite side of the support member. This may allow for a second crash barrier to be mounted to the support, without the forcing member colliding with the mounting member of the second crash barrier. Optionally the support member comprises a mount for the upper barrier member, for mounting the upper barrier member to the support member, wherein when the support member is in an in use orientation, in which a lower end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the mount for the upper barrier member is positioned at a greater height than the location of the first ends of the first and second mounting members when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space . Optionally the mount for the upper barrier member is configured to mount the upper barrier member in an orientation in which the upper barrier member is inclined rearwardly in the lateral direction at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the second barrier member . Optionally the crash barrier comprises: a first mounting device according to the mounting device in any preceding claim; and a second mounting device according to the mounting device any preceding claim; wherein the first and second mounting devices have a common said support member; and wherein a first barrier member is mounted to the first mounting device and a first opposite barrier member is mounted to the second mounting device on opposite lateral sides of the common support member. Optionally each of the first mounting members of the mounting devices is so mounted to the common support member at substantially the same height on the common support member. Optionally the second mounting device comprises a mount for a second opposite barrier member, for mounting a second opposite barrier member to the support member, wherein when the support member is in an in-use orientation, in which the support member extends in a height direction, the mount for the second opposite barrier member is positioned above the location of the first ends of the first and second mounting members of the second mounting device; and wherein the first and second mounting devices are configured such that a second barrier member is mountable to the mount for the second barrier and a second opposite barrier member is mountable to the mount of the second opposite barrier member on opposite lateral sides of the common support member. Optionally: the lower barrier member extends generally in a longitudinal direction; the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space, with the mounting member extending from the support member in a direction that has at least a component in a lateral direction, such that the lower barrier member is spaced from the support member in a direction that has at least a component in the lateral direction. Optionally the support member is mounted on a support surface . Optionally the barrier member extends in a lateral direction between a front of the barrier member, for facing a vehicle path in use, and a rear of the barrier member, for facing away from a vehicle path in use. Optionally the lower barrier member and / or the first end of the mounting member comprises a slot that receives a fastener, that attaches the first end of the mounting member to the lower barrier member, wherein the slot has a dimension that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the part of the fastener in the slot, such that the first end of the mounting member can be attached to the barrier member, by the fastener, at a plurality of positions on the barrier member. Optionally the crash barrier comprises a plurality of said mounting devices distributed longitudinally along the barrier member . Optionally the crash barrier comprises a plurality of said support members, wherein the barrier member is mounted to the plurality of said support members, distributed longitudinally along the barrier member. Optionally an upper opposite barrier member is mounted to the second mounting device on an opposite lateral side of the common support member to the upper barrier member. Optionally a lower opposite barrier member is mounted to the second mounting device on an opposite lateral side of the common support member to the lower barrier member. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts of a crash barrier, the kit of parts comprising: a support member for mounting on a support surface; the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction; a barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction, the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; the barrier member is mountable to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction; wherein, when the barrier member is mounted to the support member, at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member. Optionally the kit of parts comprises any part of a crash barrier according to any preceding aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of production of a crash barrier, the method comprising: providing a support member for mounting on a support surface; the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction; providing a barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction, the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; mounting the barrier member to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction; wherein at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installation of a crash barrier, the method comprising: providing a support member for mounting on a support surface; the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction; providing a barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction, the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; mounting the barrier member to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction; mounting the first end of the support member on a support surface; wherein at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member. The features of any of the above aspects of the invention may be combined with one or more features of any of the other aspects of the invention, in any combination. The features of any of the above methods may be carried out in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description. Description of the Drawings A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the description and drawings. Figure 1 shows a perspective view, from the rear to one side, of a crash barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention, where the crash barrier is a non-impact condition; Figure 2 shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 1, but where the crash barrier is being deformed due to impact from a road vehicle (a part of the impacting vehicle is also shown in this Figure); Figure 3 shows a side view of one of the mounting devices for a barrier member of the crash barrier shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the non-impact condition; Figure 4a shows a side view of a first mounting arm of the mounting device shown in Figure 3, in the non-impact condition; Figures 4b to 4d are each views corresponding to that shown in Figure 4a, but sequentially showing the relative movement of a slot, in the first mounting arm, and a forcing member, following the impact of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a rear view of the first mounting arm, in the position shown in Figure 4a; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a part of the first mounting arm and of a support member of the mounting device, in the position shown in Figure 4a; Figure 7a shows a view, from the front and to one side, of a mounting device and lower barrier of the crash barrier in Figure 1, where the crash barrier is in the non-impact condition (where the lower barrier is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes); Figure 7b shows a view corresponding to the of Figure 7a, but where the crash barrier has been impacted by a vehicle, where the first mounting arm is in the position marked 'A' in Figure 2; Figure 8 shows a side view of the mounting device, where the crash barrier is in the non-impact condition and where the parts of a bore in the lower support member, and of a bolt received in the bore, that are internal to the lower support member, are shown for illustrative purposes; Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of a mounting device for a barrier member of a crash barrier according to the invention, where the crash barrier is in a non-impact condition; Figure 10 shows the variation of force on a crash barrier member of the crash barrier, with deflection of the crash barrier member, during the vehicle impact shown in Figure 2; Figures Ila to 11c sequentially show a truck impacting the crash barrier shown in Figures 1 to 8; Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart showing an example method of production of an embodiment of the crash barrier, and Figure 13 is a schematic flowchart showing an example method of installation of an embodiment of the crash barrier. Detailed Description Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a crash barrier 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, where the crash barrier impacted The barrier 1 is mounted to the ground 10, which forms a support 1 is non-impact configuration it has not been by a vehicle. crash barrier 1 is a vehicle crash barrier. The crash surface 10, adjacent to a road 50, for example along the side of a road, in the middle of a dual carriageway or motorway etc., to keep vehicles in their correct roadways and to prevent them from colliding with roadside obstacles or vehicles in other lanes. The ground surface 10 is substantially parallel to the road 50. The crash barrier 1 is elongate and extends lengthwise, generally in a longitudinal direction (X). The crash barrier 1 comprises upper and lower elongate barrier members 2, 3 that are each mounted to a plurality of mounting devices 4, spaced along the length of the barrier members 2, 3, that mounts the barrier members 2, 3 to the ground surface 10. The upper and lower barrier members 2, 3 each extend lengthwise, generally in the longitudinal direction (X), along respective longitudinal axes Xu, XL. A front 51 of the crash barrier 1 faces the road 50 and a rear 52 of the crash barrier 1 faces away from the road 50 (see Figure 8). The crash barrier 1 extends between its front 51 and rear 52 in a lateral direction (Y). The lateral direction (Y) is substantially parallel to the ground 10 (and road 50). The crash barrier 1 extends from the ground 10 in a height direction (Z). The height direction (Z) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and lateral direction (Y) . In this respect, the longitudinal direction (X) , lateral direction (Y) and height direction (Z) form a set of orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z). In the currently described embodiment, the ground 10 is substantially horizontal and the height direction (Z) is substantially vertical. However, it will be appreciated that the ground 10 (and road 50) may be inclined relative to the horizontal as it extends in the lengthwise direction of the crash barrier 1. In this case, the height direction (Z) may be inclined relative to the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction (X) inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Additionally, or alternatively, ground 10 (and road 50) may be inclined relative to the horizontal as it extends in the direction between the front and rear sides 51, 52 of the crash barrier 1. In this case, the lateral direction (Y) may be inclined relative to the horizontal direction and the height direction (Z) inclined relative to the vertical direction. In the described embodiment the longitudinal direction (X) is substantially horizontal. In this respect, the longitudinal axes Xu, Xl are substantially horizontal, with the barrier members 2, 3, and their longitudinal axes Xu, Xl, spaced apart in a height direction (Z) that is substantially vertical. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the barrier members 2, 3 may extend uphill and / or downhill etc, such that the longitudinal direction (X) is inclined relative to the horizontal direction and the height direction (Z) is inclined relative to the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the described embodiment each of the longitudinal axes Xu, Xl is substantially straight and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (X). However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the barrier members 2, 3 may also extend in a direction that has a component in the lateral direction, for example by the barrier members 2, 3 being curved in the lateral direction (Y). The upper barrier member 2 is positioned at a greater height, in the Z-direction, than the lower barrier member 3 (described further below). The barrier members 2, 3 each have a front side 2', 3' that faces the road 50 and a rear side 2'', 3'' that faces away from the road 50. In the described embodiment, each of the upper and lower barrier members 2, 3 are steel beams. However, it will be appreciated that the barrier members may be of any suitable type and shape and may be made of any suitable material. Each mounting device 4 has corresponding features and so it will be appreciated that the description of one mounting device 4 applies to the other mounting devices 4. Each mounting device 4 comprises a support member 5 and an upper arm 4b that the lower barrier member 3 is mounted to, to mount the lower barrier member 3 to the support member 5. Each support member 5 comprises a lower part 5a and an upper part 5b, that extends from an upper end of the lower part 5a. The lower part 5a is an elongate hollow tube, with a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The lower part 5a extends length-wise from a lower end 5a', that is mounted on the ground surface 10, to an upper end 5a'', along a longitudinal axis A that is substantially parallel to the height direction (Z) , which in the described embodiment is substantially vertical. In this respect, the longitudinal axis A is substantially perpendicular to the ground surface 10. The lower part 5a extends depth-wise, in the lateral direction (Y), front a front side 61 that faces the road 50 to a rear side 62 that faces away from the road 50. The upper part 5b is an elongate hollow tube, with a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same size and shape as that of the lower part 5a. The upper part 5b extends from a lower end 5b' that is mounted on the upper end 5a'’ of the lower part 5a to an upper end 5b'', along a longitudinal axis B that extends within the Z-Y plane (i.e. a plane containing the height direction (Z) and lateral direction (Y) , with the longitudinal axis B inclined forwardly in the lateral direction, at an acute angle (a) to the height direction (Z). In this respect, the upper part 5b of the support member 5 is inclined forwardly, in the lateral direction (Y), relative to the lower support member 5a at an acute angle (a) . The lower end 5b' of the upper part 5b of the support member 5 is aligned with the upper end 5a'' of the lower support member 5a such that opposed faces of the lower and upper parts 5a, 5b are in contact with each other, with the faces of the lower and upper parts 5a, 5b aligned at the interface between the support members 5a, 5b. The lower end 5b' of the upper part 5b of the support member 5 and the upper end 5a' ’ of the lower support member 5a are attached to each other. In the currently described embodiment, said attachment is via welding. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable type of attachment may be used, for example by fasteners (e.g. nuts and bolts). The lower and upper parts 5a, 5b of the support member 5 are made of steel However, it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. The lower barrier member 3 is mounted to the lower part 5a of the support member 5 by the mounting device 4. In this respect, with reference to Figures 3 and 4a to 4d, the mounting device 4 comprises a first mounting member in the form of an upper arm 4b. The upper arm 4b is elongate and extends from a front end 4b' to a rear end 4b'', along a longitudinal axis C that extends within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, i.e. the longitudinal axis C extends within the Y-Z plane, which in the currently described embodiment is vertical. In this respect, as the upper arm 4b pivots relative to the lower barrier member 3, during a vehicle impact (described below) , the longitudinal axis C of the upper arm 4b rotates within the Y-Z plane. The upper arm 4b has a main body that is an elongate thin body, made of a sheet of steel. However, it will be appreciated that the arm 4b may be of any suitable shape and material. The front end 4b' of the upper arm 4b comprises an attachment part 23 that is attached to the rear side 3'' of the lower barrier member 3. In this respect, the attachment part 23 is a plate that extends generally in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the arm 4b and is provided with a circular aperture 24 that passes through the thickness of the attachment part 23. With reference to Figures 7a and 7b, in respect of each mounting device 4, the lower barrier member 3 is provided with a respective mounting slot 28, approximately half-way along the height of the barrier member 3, that extends in the longitudinal direction X and passes through the thickness of the barrier member 3, from its front side 3' to its rear side 3''. With reference to Figures 7a and 7b, the front end 4b? of the arm 4b is attached, by the attachment part 23, to the rear side 3' ’ of the lower barrier member 3 by a nut and bolt, whereby a threaded shaft 27 of the bolt is mounted in the aperture 24 in the attachment part 23 and in the horizontal slot 28 in the barrier member 3. A head 29 of the bolt is provided on the front side of the barrier 3, with a washer 30 mounted between the bolt head 29 and the front face of the barrier 3. A nut (not shown) is tightened on the threaded shaft against a rear face of the attachment part 23, to attach the attachment part 23 to the barrier 3 such that the front end 4b' of the upper arm 4b is translationally fixed relative to the lower barrier 3 (although the main body of the upper arm 4b can rotate relative to the lower barrier 3, due to the impact force of a vehicle, as described below). The horizontal slot 28 in the lower barrier 3 allows for tolerances in positioning of the support 5 during installation. With reference to Figures 4a to 4d, a receiving space 11, in the form of an elongate slot 11 is provided in the upper arm 4b, that extends lengthwise from a front end 11', proximal the front end 4b' of the arm 4b, to a rear end 11'', proximal the rear end 4b'' of the arm 4b, along a longitudinal axis C' that is co-axial with the longitudinal axis C of the upper arm 4b. The front and rear ends 11', 11'' of the slot 11 are closed. The slot 11 extends through the thickness of the arm 4b, from a first side face 25 to a second side face 26, of the main body of the arm 4b, such that the slot 11 is open on each side face 25, 26. It will be appreciated that any reference to a 'side' of a slot (or receiving space) is a reference to a side that defines a side of the slot (or receiving space). The slot 11 has a first part 12, provided at the rear end 11'' of the slot 11, that is of a circular shape, with a diameter D, and a second part 13 that is connected to the first part 12 by a connecting part 40 of the slot 11. The second part 13 is elongate and extends from the connecting part 40 to the front end 11' of the slot 11 along the longitudinal axis C' of the slot 11. When the opposed sides of the slot 11 are undeformed (described further below), the width (W) of the second part 13 of the slot 11 tapers such that its width decreases linearly, from an increased width W- , at a position proximal the front end 11' of the slot 11, to a decreased width W2 at the connecting part 40 (the terms 'increased' and 'decreased' being used relative to each other) . The width W2 of the slot 11, at the connecting part 40, is less than the width (i.e. diameter D) of the first part 12. The upper arm 4b is mounted to the support member 5 by a bolt 14. In this respect, the bolt 14 has a head 15 (see Figure 5; in Figures 4a to 4d the bolt head 15 is omitted for illustrative purposes) and a circular retaining part 16 of diameter greater than the width of the bolt head 15, provided inwardly of the bold head 15, that forms an integral washer 16. The bolt 14 also has a circular part, of diameter D', that is a lower diameter than the integral washer 16, that forms a forcing member 17 that is mounted in the slot 11, for slidable relative movement in the slot 11 under certain impact conditions (described further below). A threaded shaft 18 of the bolt 14 (the thread is omitted from the Figures for illustrative purposes) extends from the forcing member 17 to an end of the bolt 14. The bolt shaft 18 passes out of the other side of the lower support member 5a into a circular access aperture 21 in that side of the lower support member 5a. A nut 20 is screwed onto the end of the bolt shaft 18. The access aperture 21 has a diameter that is larger than that of the nut 20 and is sized to accommodate a socket of a socket wrench, to allow the nut 20 to be tightened against the opposing face of the lower support member 5a by the socket wrench. Furthermore, as the end of the forcing member does not protrude past said opposite side of the support 5, this may allow for a second lower crash barrier 3' to be mounted to the support 5 using a second said mounting device 4' , without the forcing member 17 colliding with the upper mounting arm of the second mounting device 4' (as shown in Figure 9). In this respect, the forcing member 17 is mounted to the lower part 5b of the support member 5 (by the bolt shaft 18 and nut 20) and the forcing member 17 is mounted in the slot 11 such that the upper arm 4b is mounted to the lower part 5a of the support member 5. The forcing member 17 is mounted to the lower part 5b of the support member 5 such that it is translationally fixed relative to the support member. The forcing member 17 is mounted to the lower part 5b of the support member 5 such that it is rotationally fixed relative to the support member 5. The diameter D' of the forcing member 17 is slightly less than the diameter of the first part 12 of the slot 11 such that, when the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12, the forcing member 17 forms a tight fit within the first part 12. The mounting device 4 further comprises a second mounting member 4a, in the form of a lower arm 4a (see Figure 3) . The lower arm 4a is elongate and extends from a front end 4a' to a rear end 4a' ' , along a longitudinal axis D. The longitudinal axis D extends within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Xl of the lower barrier 3, i.e. extends within the Y-Z plane, which in the currently described embodiment is vertical. In this respect, as the lower arm 4a pivots relative to the lower barrier 3 (described below), the longitudinal axis D pivots within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Xl of the lower barrier 3, i.e. within the Y-Z plane. In the currently described embodiment, the lower arm 4a has a main body that is a thin plate bent along opposed longitudinal sides to form an elongate member with a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape, with the lower arm 4a being made of steel. However, it will be appreciated that any type of mounting member may be used. The lower arm 4a is connected, at its front end 4a', to the attachment part 23. As with the upper arm 4b, the lower arm 4a is translationally fixed relative to the lower barrier 3, by attachment to the lower barrier 3 via the attachment part 23 (although the main body of the lower arm 4a can pivot relative to the lower barrier 3, due to the impact force of a vehicle, as described below). The rear end 4a' ' of the lower arm 4a is connected to an attachment part 31 in the form of a plate that extends downwardly from the rear end 4a' ' , in the height direction (Z) , along a longitudinal axis E. The attachment part 31 is provided with an elongate slot 32 that extends from an upper end to a lower end along a longitudinal axis E' that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis E of the attachment part 31. The attachment part 31 is attached to a lower part of the lower part 5a of the support member 5 by a bolt mounted in the slot 32 and a nut 33 screwed onto a threaded shaft 34 of the bolt (see Figures 7a and 8). In this respect, a head 36 of the bolt is mounted on the attachment part 31, the bolt shaft 34 passes through the slot 32 and through the width of the lower support member 5a and a nut 33 is screwed onto the threaded shaft 34, against the opposite side of the lower support member 5a(see Figure 8) . When the lower barrier 3 has not been impacted by a vehicle, or has been impacted only to an extent that a force was produced on the upper arm 4b, that acted to urge movement of the slot 11 relative to forcing member 17, in the relative direction in which the forcing member 17 is received from the first part 12, through the connecting part 40, into the second part 13, with a magnitude less than a threshold magnitude, the lower barrier member 3 is in a non-impact condition. In the non-impact condition, the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11 (as shown in Figure 4a) . When the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the upper arm 4b extends from the support member 5 in a direction that has at least a component in the lateral direction (Y) such that the lower barrier member 3 is mounted to the front end of the upper arm 4b in a position in which the barrier member 3 is spaced from the support member 5 in a direction that has at least a component in the lateral direction (Y) . In this respect, in the currently described embodiment, when the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the upper arm 4b extends from the support member 5 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the lateral direction (Y) , which in the currently described embodiment is substantially horizontal. In alternative embodiments, when the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the upper arm 4b may extend from the support member 5 in a direction that is not substantially parallel to the lateral direction (Y) , for example it may extend in a direction that has a component in the height direction (Z) and / or in the longitudinal direction (X), as well as in the lateral direction (Y). Similarly, in the currently described embodiment, when the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the barrier member 3 is laterally spaced from the support member 5 such that the barrier member 3 and support member 5 overlap in the height direction (Z). In alternative embodiments, when the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the barrier member 3 may be laterally spaced from the support member 5 such that the barrier member 3 and support member 5 do not overlap in the height direction (Z) . For example, the barrier member 3 may be at a height greater than the barrier member 3 such that the barrier member 3 and support member 5 do not overlap in the height direction (Z). When the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the width W2 of the connecting part 40 is less than the width (D') of the forcing member 17. Accordingly, the forcing member 17 cannot move relative to the slot 11, from the first part 12, through the connecting part 40, into the second part 13. This prevents slidable movement of the upper arm 4b relative to the support member 5. When the front side 3' of the lower barrier member 3 is impacted by a vehicle, with an impact force that has at least a component in the (rearward) lateral direction (Y), to an extent that an impact force is exerted on the barrier member 3, that acts to urge the slot 11 to move relative to the forcing member 27, in the relative direction in which the forcing member 17 is received from the first part 12, through the connecting part 40, into the second part 13, with a magnitude greater than or equal to a threshold magnitude, the opposed sides of the connecting part 40 are forced away from each other, by contact with the forcing member 17, as the connecting part 40 is moved relative to the forcing member 17, by the impact force (due to the slot 11 being urged to move in the slot longitudinal direction C whilst the forcing member 17 is fixed, relative to the support 5 member), such that the width (W2) of the connecting part 40 is increased to an extent that allows relative movement of the slot 11 and forcing member 17 such that the forcing member 17 is received from the first part 12, through the connecting part 40, into the second part 13, thereby allowing slidable movement of the upper arm 4b relative to the support member 5. In this respect, a contacting surface 17' of the forcing member 17 contacts a contacting surface of the first part 12 of the slot 11, to deform the slot 11 such that the opposed sides of the connecting part 40 are so forced away from each other. Alternatively, or additionally, a contacting surface 17' of the forcing member 17 may contact one of more surfaces of the connecting part 40 and / or second part 13 so as to so force the opposed sides of the connecting part 40 away from each other. When the forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11, the width of the second part 13 tapers linearly from a location proximal the front end 11' of the slot 11, to the connecting part 40, such that when the opposed sides of the connecting part 40 are forced away from each other, by said contact with the forcing member 17, the previously tapering sides of the second part 13 are now substantially parallel to each other (as shown in Figure 4d). As the opposed sides of the second part 13, along said length of the second part 13, are substantially parallel to each other, whilst the forcing member 17 moves along the second part 13, this may provide for a relatively controllable force deflection, during that latter part of the vehicle impact. Furthermore, the above arrangement of the forcing member 17 and slot 11 provides a crash barrier 1 with mounting devices 4, that can be relatively easily tuned to provide a desired response of the crash barrier 1 to a vehicle impact. In this respect, with reference to Figure 10, each mounting device 4 may be tuned to provide a desired force deflection curve of the crash barrier 1 that has a peak (Pl), caused by the forcing apart of the opposed sides of the connecting part 40 of the slot 11, that then drops down to a lower level, that is then maintained as the forcing member 17 travels along the second part 13 of the slot 11 (see the region 'Q'). The magnitude and location of the peak Pl can be controlled by suitable design of connecting part of the receiving space. In addition, this may lower the overall deflection distance of the barrier. Furthermore, as the time of the impact is increased, the force of the impact that is exerted on the assembly is reduced. The opposed sides of the connecting part 70 are so forced away from each other by contacting surfaces of the forcing member 17 and the first part 12 of the slot 11. The contacting surface provide a ramp surface that is inclined relative to the direction of movement of the forcing member 17 relative to slot 11, as the forcing member 17 slides through the connecting part 70. The contacting surface 17' of the forcing member 17 is convexly curved and the contacting surface 12' of the first part 12 of the slot 11 is concavely curved. The ramp surfaces provide for a relatively smooth and controllable force deflection response of the crash barrier assembly, as the forcing member 17 forces the opposed sides of the connecting part apart. As the forcing member 17 moves relative to the slot 11, from the first part 12 of the slot, through the connection part 40, into the second part 13, the upper and lower arms 4b, 4a splay outwardly, away from each other, increasing the angle (pl) between the longitudinal axes C' , E' of the slot 11 and lower arm 4a with the rear end 4a' ' of the lower arm 4a moving downwardly, causing the slot 32 to move downwardly. As the bolt shaft 34 is fixedly mounted to the lower support member 5a, this causes the bolt shaft 34 to travel along the slot 32, to the upper end of the slot 32. This slidable mounting of the lower arm 4a to the lower support member 5a allows for the desired movement of the upper arm 4b. As the lower and upper mounting arms 4a, 4b, are configured to pivot relative to each other, to accommodate said relative movement of the slot 11 and forcing member 17, this may provide for an impact response of a crash barrier assembly that is relatively controllable and robust. In this respect, the lower and upper mounting arms 4a, 4b, are configured to pivot relative to each other, to accommodate said relative movement of the slot 11 and forcing member 17, such that the lower barrier 3 is raised upwardly, during an impact, to counter roll of the impacting vehicle, in particular a vehicle that tows a load, such as a lorry. In the currently described embodiment, the lower barrier 3 is raised upwardly, during an impact, along a curved path. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, an upper end of the upper part 5b of the support member 5 is provided with a mount 70, in the form of a mounting plate 70, that mounts the upper barrier member 2 to the upper part 5b of the support member 5. The upper barrier member 2 is positioned at a greater height, in the Z-direction, than the lower barrier member 3. The upper barrier member 2 has an upper longitudinally extending side 2U and a lower longitudinally extending side 2L. The upper barrier member 2 is inclined rearwardly relative to the height direction (Z) at an acute angle (p), to provide a ramp surface 2' that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member 2. In this respect, the ramp surface is inclined rearwardly relative to the height direction (Z) at an acute angle (P). The upper barrier member 2 is inclined rearwardly in the lateral direction (Y) , at an acute angle (P) relative to the height direction (Z) . In this respect, along the length of the upper barrier member 2, the barrier member 2 extends generally about a plane P that is inclined rearwardly in the lateral direction (Y), at an acute angle (p) relative to the height direction (Z). A plurality of parts 2'a, 2'b, 2'c of the front surface 2' of the upper barrier member 2 each extend generally in a respective plane P that is inclined rearwardly in the lateral direction (Y) , at an acute angle (p) relative to the height direction (Z) , such that each parts of the surface provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member. It will be appreciated that a reference to the barrier member 2 being inclined 'rearwardly' in the lateral direction (Y) , relative to the height direction (Z), is to where the upper side 2U of the beam 2 is positioned rearwardly, in the lateral direction (Y) relative to the lower side 2L of the beam 2. In this respect, the beam 2 extends in a direction that has a component in the rearward lateral direction (Y) as it extends from its lower end 2L to its upper end 2U. Similarly, it will be appreciated that a reference to a plane (P, Pa, Pb, Pc) being inclined 'rearwardly' in the lateral direction (Y), relative to the height direction (Z), is to where an upper notional part of the plane is positioned rearwardly, in the lateral direction (Y) relative to a lower notional part of the plane. In the currently described embodiment the upper barrier member 3 is substantially symmetrical about a length-wise axis of the barrier member 3 that extends along the length of the barrier member 3, mid-way between the upper and lower sides 2U, 2L of the barrier member 3. The ramp surface (s) is particularly effective at countering the roll of an impacting vehicle such as a truck or lorry. In this respect, as shown in Figures Ila to 11c, when a truck 80 impacts the crash barrier 1, the load bed 81 of the truck 80 slides up the ramp surface(s) 2'a, 2'b, 2'c during the impact, which acts to counter the roll of the truck 80. In the currently described embodiment acute angle (|3) is 25° . Optionally said acute angle is greater than or equal to 15° and less than or equal to 45°. In preferred embodiments, the acute angle (|3) is greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 40°. In the currently described embodiment, the height direction (Z) is vertical, so the upper barrier member 2 is inclined rearwardly at an acute angle ((3) relative to the vertical direction (Z). When the support member is mounted on its first end, the lower edge 2L of the upper barrier member 2 is spaced from the support surface in the height direction (Z) greater than or equal to 700mm and less than or equal to 900mm and the upper edge 2U of the barrier member 2 is spaced from the support surface 10 in the height direction (Z) greater than or equal to 900mm and less than or equal to 1300mm. In order to install the crash barrier 1, a mounting device 4 is mounted to a support surface (e.g. ground) by mounting the support surface. is mounted to the support member 5 by 14 into the slot 11 and through the aperture in the mounting member 5 and tightening the nut 20. The rear end of the lower arm 4a is mounted to the support member 5 by inserting the shaft 34 of said bolt through the slot 32 and through the width of the lower support member 5a and screwing a nut 33 onto the threaded shaft 34, against the opposite side of the lower support member 5a. The forcing member 17 is located in the first part 12 of the slot 11 and the shaft 34 of said bolt is located in at the support member 5 to the The upper arm 4b inserting the fastener lower end of the vertical slot 32. The front ends 4b' , 4a' of the upper and lower arms 4b, 4a are attached to the rear face of the lower barrier member 3 by mounting the threaded shaft 27 of the bolt in the aperture 24 in the attachment part 23 and in a respective said horizontal slot 28 in the lower barrier 3. The head 29 of the bolt is provided on the front side of the barrier 3, with a washer 30 mounted between the bolt head 29 and the front face of the barrier 3. A nut (not shown) is tightened on the threaded shaft against a rear face of the attachment part 23, to attach the attachment part 23 to the barrier 3 such that the front ends 4b', 4a' of the upper and lower arms 4b, 4a is translationally fixed relative to the lower barrier 3. The upper barrier member 2 is mounted to the mounting plate 70. It will be appreciated that the above steps may be carried out in any suitable order. With reference to Figure 9, there is shown a second embodiment of a mounting device for a barrier member of a crash barrier according to the invention, where the crash barrier is in a non-impact condition. In the second embodiment, the crash barrier comprises a first said mounting device 4 and a second said mounting device 4', wherein the first and second mounting devices 4, 4' have a common said support member 5. A lower barrier member 3 is mounted to the first mounting device 4 and a lower opposite barrier member 3' is mounted to the second mounting device 4' on opposite lateral sides of the common support member 5. Each of the first mounting members of the mounting devices is so mounted to the common support member 5 at substantially the same height on the common support member 5. The second mounting device 4' comprises a mount for mounting an upper opposite barrier member 2' to the support member 5, wherein when the support member 5 is in an in-use orientation, in which the support member 5 extends in a height direction, the mount for the second opposite barrier member 2' is positioned above the location of the first ends of the first and second mounting members of the second mounting device 4', i.e. above the lower opposite barrier member 3'. In this respect, an upper opposite barrier member 2' is mounted to the common support member 5 on an opposite lateral side of the common support member 5 to the upper barrier member 2. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above-described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the described embodiments the mounting member (upper arm) 4b is provided with the elongate slot 11 and the forcing member 17 is mounted to the support member 5. Alternatively, or additionally, the support member 5a may be provided with the elongate slot 11 and the forcing member 17 mounted to the upper arm 4b. In the described embodiments, the forcing member 17 is mounted to the lower part 5b of the support member 5 such that it is translationally and rotationally fixed relative to the support member 5. However, it will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the forcing member 17 may be mounted to the support member 5 such that the forcing member 17 can translate and / or rotate relative to the support member 5, at least to some limited extent. In the currently described embodiment, the forcing member 17 is releasably mountable to the support member 5. Alternatively, the forcing member 17 may be integrally mounted to the support member 5, i.e. the forcing member 17 may be part of the support member 5. Similarly, if the forcing member 17 is mounted to the arm 4a (with the slot 11 provided in the support member 5), the forcing member 17 may be releasably mounted to or integrally mounted to the arm 4a. In the described embodiments, the slot extents entirely through the thickness of the arm that it is provided in. Alternatively, the slot may only extend partially through the thickness of the body that it is provided in. In this respect, the receiving space may be any suitable receiving space, for example a slot, groove, recess etc. In the described embodiment the mounting device 4 comprises said upper and lower arms 4b, 4a. Alternatively, the mounting device 4 may only have the upper arm 4b. In the described embodiments, the crash barrier 1 comprises said upper and lower barrier members 2, 3. Alternatively, the crash barrier 1 may only have the upper barrier member 2, for example . It will be appreciated that, with reference to Figure 12, a method of production 100 of the crash barrier 1 comprises: providing a support member 5 for mounting on a support surface 10 (101); the support member 5 extends from a first end 5a' to a second end 5b'' and when the support member 5 is mounted on its first end 5a' , the support member 5 extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction (Z); providing a barrier member 2 that extends generally in a longitudinal direction (X) (102), the barrier member having a front surface 2' for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; mounting the barrier member 2 to the support member 5 at a location spaced from the first end 5a' of the support member 5 such that when the first end 5a' of the support member 5 is mounted on a support surface 10, the barrier member 2 is spaced from the support surface 10 in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction (Z) (103); wherein at least part of the front surface 2 of the barrier member 2 extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction (Y) , at an acute angle (p) relative to the height direction (Z) , such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member 2. It will be appreciated that the above steps may be carried out in any suitable order. Similarly, it will be appreciated that, with reference to Figure 13, a method of installation 200 of the crash barrier 1 comprises : providing a support member 5 for mounting on a support surface 10 (201); the support member 5 extends from a first end 5a' to a second end 5b'' and when the support member 5 is mounted on its first end 5a', the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction (Z); providing a barrier member 2 that extends generally in a longitudinal direction (X) (202), the barrier member having a front surface 2' for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path; mounting the barrier member 2 to the support member 5 at a location spaced from the first end 5a' of the support member 5 such that when the first end 5a' of the support member is mounted on a support surface 10, the barrier member 2 is spaced from the support surface 10 in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction (Z) (203); mounting the first end 5a' of the support member 5 on a support surface 10 (204); wherein at least part of the front surface 2 of the barrier member 2 extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction (Y), at an acute angle (p)relative to the height direction (Z), such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member . It will be appreciated that the above steps may be carried out in any suitable order. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

l.A crash barrier comprising:a support member for mounting on a support surface;the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction;a barrier member that extends lengthwise generally in a longitudinal direction,the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path;the barrier member is mounted to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a height direction;wherein along at least part of the length of the barrier member, at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly at an acute angle to the height direction, to provide a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member .

2. A crash barrier according to claim 1 wherein the barrier member is inclined rearwardly relative to the height direction at said acute angle.

3. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein along substantially the entire length of the barrier member, at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly relative to the height direction at an acute angle, to provide a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member.

4. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, whereinsaid at least part of the front surface of the barriermember is a plurality of parts ofthe front surface.

5. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier member is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the barrier member.

6. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the support member is mounted on its first end, a lower edge of the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in the height direction greater than or equal to 700mm and less than or equal to 900mm and an upper edge of the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in the height direction greater than or equal to 900mm and less than or equal to 1300mm.

7. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein said acute angle is greater than or equal to 15° and less than or equal to 45°.

8. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier member is an upper barrier member and the crash barrier comprises a lower barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction.

9. A crash barrier according to claim 8, wherein the crash barrier comprises a mounting device comprising:the support member;a mounting member;a forcing member, anda receiving space;wherein:the lower barrier member is mounted to the mounting member;the receiving space is provided in one of the mounting member or support member and the forcing member is mounted to the other of the mounting member or support member;the forcing member is mounted in the receiving space such that the mounting member is mounted to the support member;the receiving space has a first part and a second part connected to the first part by a connecting part of the receiving space;when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space, the connecting part has a width, defined by opposed sides of the connecting part, that is less than the width of the forcing member;and when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space and the mounting member is in an in-use orientation relative to the support member, the mounting member extends from the support member in a direction that has at least a component in a lateral direction such that the lower barrier member is spaced from the support member in a direction that has at least a component in the lateral direction;and wherein the forcing member and receiving space are configured such that, in use, when the forcing member is located in the first part of the receiving space:when an impact force is exerted on the lower barrier member, that acts to urge relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member, in the relative direction in which the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part, with a magnitude greater than or equal to a threshold magnitude,the opposed sides of the connecting part are forced away from each other, by contact of at least one side of the receiving space with the forcing member, such that the width of the connecting part is increased to an extent that allows relative movement of the receiving space and forcing member such that the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part, with resultant movement of the mounting member relative to the support member such thatsaid at least component in the lateral direction, that the lower barrier member is spaced from the support member is decreased.10 .A crash barrier according to claim 9, wherein theforcing member is mounted in the receiving space such that the receiving space and forcing member are rotatable relative to each other, so that the mounting member is rotatable relative to the support member.11.A crash barrier according to either of claims 9 or 10,wherein:the mounting member is a first mounting member and the mounting device comprises a second mounting member that the lower barrier member is mounted thereto;each of the first and second mounting members extend from a first end to a second end, the lower barrier member being mounted to each first end;said mounting of the first mounting member to the support member, by the mounting of the forcing member in the receiving space, is at a first mounting location on the support member; andthe second end of the second mounting member is mounted to the support member at a second mounting location on the support member;wherein the first and second mounting locations are spaced apart along the support member;and the first and second mounting members are configured to pivot relative to each other, as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part and along at least part of the length of the second part.

12. A crash barrier according to claim 11, wherein the first ends of the first and second mounting members are pivotally mounted to each other to provide said pivoting of the first and second mounting members relative to each other.

13. A crash barrier according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the second mounting member is slidably mounted to the support member, at the second mounting location, such that the second end of the second mounting member can slide relative to the support member, as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part and along at least part of the length of the second part.

14. A crash barrier according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein:the first and second mounting locations are spaced apart along the support member such that when the support member is in an in-use orientation, in which the support member extends in a height direction, the first and second mounting locations are spaced apart in the height direction;and wherein the second mounting member is configured such that the first ends of the first and second mounting members,that the lower barrier member is mounted thereto, are raised upwardly as the forcing member is received from the first part, through the connecting part, into the second part and along at least part of the length of the second part.

15. A crash barrier according to any of claims 9 to 14 wherein the receiving space is provided in the mounting member and the forcing member is mounted to the support member .

16. A crash barrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the crash barrier comprises a plurality of said support members, wherein the barrier member is mounted to the plurality of said support members, distributed longitudinally along the barrier member.

17. A kit of parts of a crash barrier, the kit of parts comprising:a support member for mounting on a support surface;the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction;a barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction,the barrier member having a front surface for, in use,facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path;the barrier member is mountable to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction;wherein, when the barrier member is mounted to the support member, at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member.

18. A method of production of a crash barrier, the method comprising:providing a support member for mounting on a support surface;the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction;providing a barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction,the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path;mounting the barrier member to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support surface in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction;wherein at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member.

19. A method of installation of a crash barrier, the methodcomprising:providing a support member for mounting on a support surface;the support member extends from a first end to a second end and when the support member is mounted on its first end, the support member extends in direction that has at least a component in a height direction;providing a barrier member that extends generally in a longitudinal direction,the barrier member having a front surface for, in use, facing vehicles travelling along a vehicle path;mounting the barrier member to the support member at a location spaced from the first end of the support member such that when the first end of the support member is mounted on a support surface, the barrier member is spaced from the support 5 surface in a direction that has at least a component in the height direction;mounting the first end of the support member on a support surface;10wherein at least part of the front surface of the barrier member extends generally in a plane that is inclined rearwardly in a lateral direction, at an acute angle relative to the height direction, such that it provides a ramp surface that acts to 15 counter the roll of a vehicle impacting the barrier member.

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