Peter Hoban - Founder of IRSS

Improving road safety through innovation. Creator of the CoverMe system, eliminating the need for ladders in traffic signal management.

With over 25 years of experience in road safety and traffic management, Peter Hoban identified a critical issue in how temporary traffic signals were being handled on-site.

Traditional “bagging off” methods required operatives to work at height using ladders, introducing unnecessary risk.

This insight led to the creation of a safer, more efficient solution.

The Story Behind CoverMe

While working within the road safety industry, Peter repeatedly saw the same problem:

Operatives using ladders to cover traffic lights during roadworks.Not only was this time-consuming, but it also created avoidable safety risks.

Recognising the need for a better approach, Peter developed the Cover Me system, an innovative solution that allows traffic signals to be safely covered from ground level.

The Result:

  • No working at height
  • Faster deployment
  • Improved safety compliance

Three-part image with a black-and-white photo of a Peter Hoban speaking into a microphone on the left, a central infographic about CoverMe IRSS innovation highlighting 25 years of industry authority including pioneering, national standards, and major partnerships, and a right side photo of a worker in orange high-visibility clothing operating equipment near a traffic signal.
Peter Hoban on stage at the "Big Idea" final

Experience in Road Safety & Traffic Management

Peter Hoban brings extensive hands-on experience in:

  • Traffic management operations
  • Roadworks safety compliance
  • Temporary traffic signal systems
  • Risk reduction on live road sites

His work focuses on practical, real-world improvements that make road environments safer for both workers and the public.

Innovation: The CoverMe System

The Cover Me system was designed to solve a specific problem, but its impact goes much further. By eliminating the need for ladders, it helps:

  • Reduce risk of falls from height
  • Improve efficiency on-site
  • Ensure safer working practices
  • Support compliance with safety regulations

Today, Cover Me is used as a modern alternative to traditional traffic light covering methods.

How Peter Got The idea For CoverMe:

Peter founded IRSS after identifying a gap in the market for safer and more practical bagging-off solutions.

After many years of visiting sites, he identified the fact that staff were always in danger of falling from ladders when "Bagging Off" traffic lights.

After hearing of a staff member who was fatally injured whilst using ladders, he knew that there had to be a better solution to reduce working at heights accidents when "bagging off".

The original idea led to the creation of the fully patented CoverMe Traffic Signal Bag and no ladders pole system.

The CoverMe product range later expanded into solutions for road signs, Belisha beacons, bollards, street lighting columns, push-buttons, and other types of street furniture. Peter wanted a system that could:

  • Reduce working at heights and eliminate ladders
  • Speed up the process of bagging off
  • Reduce the amount of staff required
  • Ensure the product met ARTSM's standards
  • Create a calculator to show TM's the cost and set up savings

Our fully patented system is now used across the UK to help ensure staffs safety, speed up the process and with the minimal of staff.

Since our launch, we have since been featured fully in the "Highways Industry" , which is highly regraded as the leading platform for highways products and initiatives.

Peter was also a finalist in Safer Highways’ “Big Idea” pitch competition and IRSS and CoverMe won sponsorship with Morgan Sindall.

The process was very similar to Dragons Den, he had to pitch the idea infront of the "dragons" and was succesful in winning sponsorship.

Peter has also just published a book on Amazon in 2026 titled "Bagging Off, Better". The book is a guide to reducing working at heights within the traffic management sector, as well as highlighting our innovative pole system.

Since our first product, CoverMe Traffic Light Covers, the IRSS CoverMe range has expanded into:

CoverMe is a patented Light Cover that was renewed on the 28th April, 2026. Patent number GB2583069

Intellectual Property Office certificate of renewal for patent GB2583069 owned by Peter Hoban, renewed on 28 April 2026 until 7 March 2027.
CoverMe Patent GB2583069

Watch: The Story Behind Cover Me

In this video, learn how Peter Hoban used his 25 years of road safety experience to create the CoverMe system which requires no ladders and started IRSS (Innovative Road Safety Solutions)

Temporary traffic light on a street showing green light with an orange traffic light cover by CoverMe marked 'Not In Service' on an adjacent pole.
The Book

Peter Hoban: The Author

With over 25 years of experience in the road safety and traffic management sector, Peter Hoban was driven to share his experiences in his book: "Bagging Off, Better"

The book is out now on Amazon and shows Peters journey from inventing the CoverMe no ladders solution and how you can also reduce working at heights in your workplace.

Buy Now: Bagging Off, Better

Case Studies

CoverMe is trusted by UK Councils and TM companies


IRSS has been proud to be used by some of the biggest and most reputable companies in the Road Safety and Traffic Management sectors. We have our dedicated case studies:

Doncaster Council Embraces IRSS UK Street Lighting Covers to Reduce Single Use Plastic

Siemens wanted to a sustainable, eco-friendly rail sign bag solution for its scheme in Birmingham.

Hatton Traffic Management made use of CoverMe Belisha Beacon Covers for a HS2 project.


Peter Hoban of IRSS and inventor of CoverMe traffic light covers in a sweater holding a microphone and speaking at the Big Idea final, wearing a name badge on a lanyard.


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