Hello Lamp Post: Enhancing Engagement and Social Value on the Lincolnshire Coast

Case Study: Delivering the Hello Lamp Post Initiative - Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management (2025-27)

Original project post: Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Strategy Beach Management Scheme

What is Hello Lamp Post?

Hello Lamp Post is an interactive, AI powered engagement tool that lets people talk to street furniture, such as signs, benches, and lamp posts by scanning QR codes or sending a text message. It helps to share real-time information, gather feedback, raise awareness and encourage inclusive participation.

How does RYR use Hello Lamp Post?

We use Hello Lamp Post as part of our wider suite of engagement tools to support conversations about flood risk, beach nourishment, and coastal resilience. Along the splash deck from Mablethorpe to Skegness, signs invited people to “say hello” through QR codes or SMS. The system delivers continuous messaging, FAQs, and feedback on beach safety, flood risk, and local amenities.

Accessibility at the heart of our engagement approach

Alongside Hello Lamp Post, accessibility is central to our engagement approach. We want everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, to access project information and feel included in the conversation.

To deepen community connection, in 2025 we made improvements to the Public Information Unit (PIU) to make it more welcoming and accessible.

Improvements to the Public Information Unit (PIU)

Accessible Colour Palette

We wrapped the PIU using high contrast, accessible colours to support people with visual, cognitive, or sensory impairments.

Ramp Installation

The ramp was refurbished so people with mobility needs can enter and move around the unit safely and independently.

Talking Wheel Device

We reduced the wording inside the PIU and installed a tactile spinning wheel that speaks. This allows blind and visually impaired visitors to hear project information and connect fully with the work.

Video Screen Showing the Work in Action

A video screen was added so visitors can see how beach nourishment and coastal protection works take place. This visual storytelling helps people understand the scale, purpose, and impact of the project.

These improvements removed barriers, created multiple ways to engage, and ensured people feel recognised and included. Hello Lamp Post complements this approach by providing another easy and accessible way for people to connect.

Key Outcomes for 2025

• 13,147 unique users interacted with Hello Lamp Post

• 17,758 conversations took place via scan or SMS

• 56,268 messages were sent by users

• 74% did not know the beach was artificially nourished

• 71.2% had not signed up for flood warnings in 2024, highlighting a significant awareness gap

• 10% increase in flood warning sign-ups over 18 months, rising from 20% in 2024 to 30% in 2025

• 501 days of staff time saved through automated responses

• £93,486 in cost avoidance

Turning insight into action

We use Hello Lamp Post insights to inform the Stakeholder Risk Assessment, Equality Impact Assessment, and Stakeholder Engagement Plan. This enables us to:

• Identify underrepresented or hard-to-reach groups

• Tailor communication strategies

• Improve inclusive engagement across age groups, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds

Digital and physical engagement working together

Hello Lamp Post has proven to be a cost-effective, scalable, and inclusive engagement tool. It has boosted awareness and generated actionable insights that shape strategy, design, and delivery.

Together with the accessibility improvements to the PIU, it demonstrates how digital and physical engagement tools can work in partnership to strengthen community relationships.

Ready to deliver inclusive, insight-led engagement?

If you’re planning a coastal, infrastructure, or community-focused project and want engagement that is accessible, measurable, and cost-effective, RYR Ltd can help.

From digital tools like Hello Lamp Post to physical accessibility improvements and stakeholder strategy, we design engagement that builds trust and delivers real insight.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.