Serving the industry for nearly half a century the LCTF is a forum that provides a source of knowledge, expertise and information on all aspects of lighting columns and minor structures.
The Forum was inaugurated on the 13th June 2001 at the old offices of the Institution of Lighting Engineers (ILE), now the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP), in Rugby, Warwickshire. Initially the name adopted was the Lighting Column Manufacturing Technical Forum but at the second meeting on the 5th September 2001, it was decided to drop the reference to 'manufacturing' so as to broaden the Forum's activities to all aspects of the column industry.
Of course, the Forum was not a completely new organisation but the rebirth of a much older association which had served the industry well for many years but needed to change; the Lighting Column Manufacturers Association (LCMA formed 1975). For many years the LCMA had solely been involved in technical matters and it was felt that a wider membership and expertise base would provide a better service to the industry.
Much good work was carried out by the LCMA in consultation with many other bodies, including the Highways Agency, to provide a sound basis for the industry today. It was very active in the drafting of BS5649 and EN40 'Lighting Columns' through the BSI Technical Committee B509/50 and the parallel European Technical Committee CEN TC50. It provided test samples and practical expertise for the research into the effects of fatigue carried out by the Welding Institute (TWI) for the Highways Agency (HA) and also for the investigation on the wind response of lighting columns, particularly those on embankments, carried out by the Silsoe Research Institute, also working for the Highways Agency.
Possibly the largest project that the LCMA initiated that still affects the industry today was the adoption of quality assurance requirements for its members operated initially by only BSI Quality Assurance and Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
All the technical work started by the LCMA, and many more new projects, is now be taken forward by the Forum with the additional strength of a much wider knowledge base from its increasing number of members in associated activities.
The Forum has every intention of remaining the first point of contact for all matters affecting minor structures and recognises the need to change as the requirements of the industry reflect changes in our country's infrastructure.
As a section of The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) the Forum was formed to provide a source of knowledge, expertise and information on all aspects of lighting columns and minor structure specification, design, manufacture, supply, storage and installation together with many of the associated products, materials and treatments. As any organisation, the Forum has its own logo, constitution, membership requirements and procedures. It generally meets four times a year with the AGM being the first meeting in the calendar year, allowing the presentation of annual accounts which are also based on the calendar year. Although the Forum is a section of the ILP, it is self-funding with its own Secretary, Treasurer and honorary Chairman.
The six objectives of the Forum are spelt out in the Constitution, but may be summarised as follows:
To collate the industry view on all technical matters relating to lighting columns required to meet British and European Standards together with other widely used specifications such as the Highways Agency Specification.
To enable this information to be communicated appropriately to Standards organisations, User groups, Institutions, the Highways Agency and other organisations with an interest in the lighting column industry.
Where feasible, to provide the necessary links with the above parties.
To provide actual representation on appropriate committees and groups directly, and actively, involved in the industry.
To collect and maintain relevant current data which has a bearing on any aspect covered by the industry and disseminate such information to the membership so as to enhance a uniform standard of service.
To identify, assist and be involved in appropriate areas of research that have a bearing on the industry.