Intelligent Road Stud Sensors: The Future of Traffic Management?

In a UK first, a busy road in Hull was fitted with numerous sensors and lights to help reduce collisions by warning drivers of oncoming traffic. What challenges do typical roads face, what exactly was installed, and could such technology become widespread?

What challenges do typical roads face?

While roads have undergone numerous technological advances since the Romans laid down their highways (which are arguably better than many roads currently used today), their core concepts have stayed the same: create a strong foundation that can support an artificial surface that provides a hassle-free journey and minimal wear on passing vehicles. Of course, the type of surface used has changed to accommodate travel, with newer asphalt surfaces providing increased traction with rubber wheels, while paved roads are more suited for decorative pedestrian areas, but the fundamentals of roads remain the same.

However, the nature of things that use roads has drastically changed, with horse-drawn carriages being replaced with multi-ton vehicles travelling at significantly greater speeds. Even though the use of larger vehicles with immense carrying capacities and speeds is great for logistics, it also introduces numerous safety concerns, as getting hit at speed with a metal object usually results in severe injury or death.

To make matters worse, these vehicles, which are operated by humans, are entirely reliant on human reaction times, which haven’t gotten any better with the introduction of vehicles. Furthermore, it is also required for vehicle operators to pre-emptively look out for dangers and be fully aware of their surroundings while driving, and considering how many lack these basic skills (either because of lack of care or distraction), roads are incredibly dangerous for other drivers and pedestrians.

One solution to this danger is fitting advanced sensing technologies directly into vehicles, such as automatic braking and collision avoidance. These systems, usually powered by an array of sensors and advanced algorithms, can rapidly identify dangers and automatically control a vehicle so as to avoid collisions and minimise damage. 

However, these systems are not foolproof, not available on all vehicles, and only operate after mistakes have been made (such as not paying attention to vehicles in front). As such, traffic incidents are still a fact of everyday life. 

Fundamentally, the lack of intelligence built into road infrastructure and the absence of adaptive warning systems result in road networks that are entirely beholden to the users.

Hull installs road sensors in UK first

Recognising the dangers of traffic and the lack of responsive systems integrated into roads, Hull City Council has recently installed a series of sensors and warning systems into a busy junction, cited as being the first smart road in the UK. The company contracted to develop the system, Clearview Intelligence, has created road studs that are able to connect to nearby sensors capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists. 

Once detected, the studs activate internal LEDs that make them glow, warning drivers not to cross. As pedestrians and cyclists can often be difficult to spot, this new system is expected to reduce the number of accidents at the installation site (Stoneferry Road). Additionally, the new system is also able to provide motorists with real-time information regarding traffic and congestion, thus providing drivers with alternative routes to avoid busy areas. 

The innovative technology on Stoneferry Road corridor is a pioneering effort in the UK. Hull City Council collaborated with Clearview Intelligence, a leading highway and transport technological solutions expert, to bring about these major improvements. The 'intelligent road studs' at intersections are designed to ensure that cyclists and motorists are more aware of each other. When a cyclist approaches, the system detects them and activates an illuminated sign to caution motorists. This technology aims to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve air quality in the area.

However, the smart junction doesn’t just warn cars from unsuspecting pedestrians and cyclists; a low-bridge warning system has also been integrated. It has been estimated by Hull City Council that the rail bridge on Stoneferry Road is hit around 6 times a year by tall vehicles despite signage. As such, the new system utilises infrared sensors to determine the height of passing vehicles and provide explicit warnings not to drive under the bridge.

Could such technology become widespread?

If the data gathered by the system at Stoneferry Road demonstrates a clear downward trend in accidents, it will provide city planners with a very strong case for making traffic systems intelligent and adaptive (beyond basic traffic light management). By warning drivers of oncoming danger using visual cues on the road, it becomes possible to take the burden of safety away from vehicle manufacturers. 

Now, that doesn’t mean that vehicle manufacturers and drivers should pay less attention to safety, as it is still the responsibility of manufacturers to create safe vehicles and drivers to watch out for potential dangers. But, by making roads aware of their surroundings, it becomes possible to start eliminating the dangers presented by blind spots and difficult driving conditions. 

Of course, integrating such technology will take time, which is why engineers will need to prioritise particularly dangerous junctions. Furthermore, as junctions are made intelligent, new technologies will be developed, leading to older junctions being less capable. This can potentially cause confusion to drivers who expect to see warning systems that may not exist. 

Overall, what has been demonstrated is a step in the right direction for road technologies. With time, there is no doubt that these systems will become more common, and the risk of traffic incidents will be significantly reduced with their use.

Intelligent Road Studs: A Game-Changer for Road Safety

Highways England has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by installing around 170 LED road studs at one of England’s busiest motorway junctions. These intelligent road studs light up in sync with traffic lights, guiding drivers on the correct lane to follow. Connected through cables under the road surface to traffic lights, these studs offer visibility up to 1,000 metres, substantially reducing lane drifts and potential collisions. Phil Tyrrell, Project Manager at Highways England, emphasised the importance of such innovations, stating, "We’re always looking for new ways to further improve journeys and safety for drivers, and I hope the new intelligent road studs will help better guide drivers around Switch Island."