Preventing accidents by informing road users they are driving the wrong way

As part of a programme of road safety initiatives to further reduce the number of accidents and casualties on Scotland’s roads, this bespoke solution was collaboratively developed to warn drivers that they are driving the wrong way up a slip road and prevent potential accidents.

Background

Despite the use of static ‘no entry’ signs, the A1/ A198 roundabout in Tranent and the A720 City of Edinburgh Bypass/ Lasswade Road slipway still experienced issues with drivers travelling the wrong way down slip roads towards fast moving, multi-carriageway traffic.

People were regularly driving the wrong way down an exit slip lane, towards vehicles exiting the motorway or dual carriageways at fast speeds and risking a head-on collision and potentially multiple vehicle accidents.

The end client, Amey, worked with supply chain partner, Clearview, to develop a technology based enhanced hazard warning system.

Solution

As the existing static signs were not preventing drivers entering the slip road the wrong way, and to ensure a more effective preventative measure was in place, the new solution only triggers when a dangerous situation is detected.

Coeval’s solar powered Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) were linked to Clearview’s M680 count and classify system, which uses inductive loops, to trigger a visual alert to drivers who were travelling the wrong way. When the count and classification system detects a vehicle travelling the wrong way down the slip road, it triggers the Coeval VAS ahead of the driver, the sign instantly displays a ‘no entry’ symbol and RED corner flashers.

Outcome

The VAS signs are more effective than the static signs and the new system not only detects a vehicle travelling the wrong way, it informs the driver that they have made an error and allows them to turn around before they reach the motorway or dual carriageway; minimising the risk of an accident.