Innovative Trials Aim to Increase Road Safety with 3D Radar and AI Technology

National Highways is poised to implement new measures to enhance road safety through the use of 3D radar and AI technology in upcoming trials on motorways and major A roads. After receiving numerous submissions, nine innovative ideas have been selected to receive funding of up to £90,000 each to develop concepts aimed at managing hazards and improving safety for drivers and road workers.

The winning proposals include the utilization of 3D radar technology to predict weather-related road hazards, AI road monitoring technology for use by traffic control centres, traffic officers, or in inspector vehicles, as well as virtual reality training courses for drivers. James Gibson, the Technology Programme Portfolio Manager at National Highways, expressed his optimism about the potential impact of the chosen schemes in improving road safety.

According to Gibson, “We reached out to find new and innovative ways to help improve the safety of people who use or work on our roads – and we weren’t disappointed. We had some fantastic submissions and it wasn’t easy whittling the list down to nine. But we are very optimistic that these schemes will be able to improve safety and help prevent people coming to harm on our roads. I look forward to seeing these ideas develop.”

Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult, also expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with National Highways to support small businesses in the development and implementation of their technologies. “By bridging the gap between small businesses and large infrastructure clients,” Lewis stated, “we’re able to support the development of fresh ideas and support the commercialisation of new technologies.”

The trials will cover a wide range of innovative technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence for real-time road data analytics and the fusion of data from various sources to provide insights into road traffic situations and accident risk modelling. This aims to improve the situational awareness of road traffic authorities, enabling them to make accurate, actionable, and timely decisions to address potential hazards.

As these trials progress, the implementation of cutting-edge technology in road safety management is expected to significantly enhance the safety of both drivers and road workers. The valuable insights gained from these trials will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing development of innovative solutions in the field of road safety.