UK-based Clearview Intelligence has unveiled a new solar-powered road stud that provides drivers with enhanced visibility of the road ahead, thereby ensuring increased safety.

The new SolarLite 2 intelligent road stud has the capability to offer ten times greater visibility than the traditional ‘cat’s eyes’.

The system uses solar-powered high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that enable drivers to clearly see up to 900m of the road ahead.

Unlike conventional reflective road studs, the new solution does not have to depend on vehicle headlight efficiency to perform effectively.

According to the Transport Research Laboratory, the use of SolarLite intelligent road studs can reduce erratic driving behaviour and smooth braking along winding roads.

The enhanced visibility provides drivers with additional reaction time to respond to road layouts, thereby increasing safety for travellers at night.

The SolarLite 2 technology was developed as part of a £4m Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) government grant that was received by Clearview Intelligence in 2014.

“The SolarLite 2 is a British manufacturing success story, bringing together pioneering thinking and technological expertise to improve road safety and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).”

The new system has been created by the company in partnership with two other UK-based companies, Zeta Specialist Lighting and AEV.

Clearview Intelligence chairman John Madejski said: “I’m a passionate believer in the contribution that our intelligent road stud technology can make to road safety. It was and still is a big part of why I invested in the company and I’m delighted to announce the launch of the SolarLite 2.

“Supported by the AMSCI grant, the SolarLite 2 is a British manufacturing success story, bringing together pioneering thinking and technological expertise to improve road safety and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as Clearview Intelligence and our partners to operate at the leading edge of the highways industry and drive innovation in UK road infrastructure development.”

The new road studs use solar energy harvesting and storage electronics to power high-intensity LEDs.

They provide all night and all year-round performance at lower lifetime costs than traditional road studs.

SolarLite 2 is slated to be available in spring next year.