Highways England installs “next generation” signs
The new road signs, which are the first of their kind to be installed in the UK, are a result of a partnership between two companies.
Wednesday, 28 Aug 2019 10:33 GMT
The first of new road signs have been installed in the UK
Working on behalf of Highways England, SWARCO – a traffic technology group, and Costain - a smart infrastructure specialist, have developed a completely new type of road sign for the UK’s motorways.
Described as the “next generation of signs”, the new Variable Message Signs are able to communicate messages to road users more quickly, with the overall intention of improving road safety and the journey for travellers.
The first of these new signs have been installed on the UK’s biggest road project between Cambridge and Huntingdon. There are plans to roll out the signs for the rest of the year and into 2020 on the smart motorway system, which includes the M20, M23 and the M1.
The signs use high-resolution colour optical technology components which enable clearer messages and graphics to be displayed in all weather conditions to provide reliable and easy-to-understand information to keep road users informed about road conditions.
This results in highly legible, environmentally friendly road signs which also minimise maintenance time and costs”
Part of their design means the signs are more cost-effective, thanks to less materials and cabling used, meaning engineers spend less time at the roadside on maintenance.
The technology behind the new signs has been “pioneered” by both companies, with Costain providing the roadside controller, and SWARCO delivering the signs.
Jeremy Cowling, vice president of intelligent transport systems for the UK and Asia Pacific/Middle East/Africa at SWARCO, comments: “SWARCO is extremely proud to have worked with Costain on this project. We are at the forefront in developing low power, sustainable technologies to make our roads safer.
"This results in highly legible, environmentally friendly road signs which also minimise maintenance time and costs.”
Ian Parker, managing director of transportation at Costain, adds: “Costain is leading the way in the use of digital technologies on the strategic road network and changing the landscape in how road users use road signs, improving safety and journey experience.”
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