High-tech LED road studs drive down accident trend 03 October 2014

LED studs will help reverse the rise in the number of serious accidents on Britain's road network, according to a road safety expert whose local authority is the first in the UK to install the technology on a major route.

DfT (Department for Transport) figures for August show deaths and serious injuries on UK roads increased by 17% in the first three months of 2014, compared to the same period last year.

But incidents on a stretch of the A719 in East Ayrshire have been reduced by 100% since LED active studs, supplied by Rennicks UK, were introduced. And road safety engineer Alan Vass reckons such remarkable results are too good to be ignored.

Vass, who works with the Traffic and Road Safety section of Ayrshire Roads Alliance, says the active studs, which use LED and solar technology are far more effective than traditional retro-reflective studs.

"There had been a number of accidents on the A719 near Waterside village in Ayrshire and the council wanted to do all they could to address the issue," explains Vass.

"The road is predominantly straight but has a series of fairly sharp bends and we were keen to enhance safety whilst limiting impact on the environment in a rural area," he continues.

"We installed LED active studs and statistics prove we've seen dramatic results... I think it won't be long before other authorities look at what East Ayrshire Council has done and realise the technology could have similar positive implications for them."

"The studs remain bright and highlight each lane, enhancing safety by aiding night-time driving, particularly during rainy, snowy or foggy weather.

"Ayrshire Roads Alliance has received very positive feedback from local residents and commuters, and the studs will, without doubt, be considered for future road safety schemes," says Vass.

Some 180 of the solar-recharged battery-powered SR-15 active road studs were installed in just four hours.

The units, which contain two bi-directional LEDs, highlight both the horizontal and vertical geometry of the road and help improve visibility of the centre and carriageway edges, while a rumble effect warns drivers who encroach on to the opposite carriageway.

Author
Brian Tinham

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