In January 2027 the UK’s big analogue phone network switch-off could create huge challenges for forecourt safety. Here’s how to get prepared and make sure you’re fully compliant.
Forecourt owners know that safety is a number one priority. Running a busy site while protecting property, staff, customers and high-risk operations like fuel deliveries requires constant attention.
This focus on forecourt safety is essential. But it can lead to big challenges when parts of your forecourt no longer meet safety regulations, and no compliant solution is immediately available.
Local petroleum officers take health and safety seriously – with annual inspections examining non‑compliant areas in hazardous zones. And one key requirement applies to all forecourts with a Driver Controlled Delivery System (DCD) or CEC: an emergency phone must be available and operational.
But there’s a challenge ahead: from January 2027, the UK’s analogue phone network will be switched off. This will affect every forecourt that relies on analogue lines. Digital‑to‑analogue converters don’t work during a power outage or a loss of internet. As a result, many sites will need to reassess how their emergency communication systems function under the new conditions.
This means forecourt owners are already considering how best to adapt to these regulatory changes and ensure their emergency systems remain reliable and compliant.
Sourcing practical solutions
For more than 30 years, OES Electro Mechinacal Services Ltd has supported forecourt operators with engineering expertise across safety, compliance and operational continuity. As the analogue switch‑off approaches, the team has recognised that emergency communication systems need a new approach. So we began exploring practical, compliant alternatives well ahead of the deadline – which work out cheaper than forecourts’ existing line rental.
As a forecourt owner, your next step is to evaluate your current setup and understand how the analogue switch‑off affects your site. You can then identify a solution that keeps your emergency communication reliable, compliant and resilient during power loss.
Providing peace of mind
“When we became aware of the analogue network switch-off, our priority was making sure our emergency phones remained reliable and available when it is needed most,” explains Lesley Graves from Gibbs Garage Group. ”Safety is a key responsibility on any forecourt, and we need to know that our emergency communication will continue to work, including during a power outage. The phone gateway unit has given us confidence that our existing emergency phone provision is dependable and suitable for our sites. OES’ knowledge of forecourt environments made the installation efficient and straightforward. We would definitely recommend.”
“Having worked on our forecourts for many years, the team understood the challenges we were facing and were able to resolve an issue that could otherwise have caused significant difficulty,” adds Tom Highland from Highlands Group. “The phone gateway has given us confidence that our emergency phone provision is reliable, dependable and suitable for the site.
“The installation was completed efficiently, with no disruption to our day-to-day operations. It’s a relief to have this taken care of, and knowing we have a reliable emergency communication system in place provides real peace of mind.”
Find out more about reliable emergency communication solutions at: www.oesems.co.uk
