Swarco Traffic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dambach-Werke, which manufactures traffic signs, has revealed that its full-colour full matrix electronic warning signs have helped Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL) cut down the number of oversized lorries hitting the railway bridge on London’s South Circular by more than a third.

The company had installed six warning signs last year.

Prior to the installation of warning signs, about 11 crashes were reported at the Thurlow Park Bridge in Tulse Hill, during a six period spanning from January to July 2016.

"The signs are highly reliable and feedback from the general public has been extremely positive."

Since the installation of new sign boards only seven incidents have been registered in the past six months, and only one in the last four months.

TfL senior traffic engineer Khurram Khan Jadoom said: “Not only do they meet the demands of TfL, but the signs are highly reliable and feedback from the general public has been extremely positive.

“On top of this, the signs are variable so we are able to use them for alternative purposes to provide further traffic information to road users.

"This is a great benefit to us.”

The company explained that on an average the oversized lorries struck railway bridge at least twice a month, causing more than 218 hours of delays to Southern and Thameslink passengers between July 2015 and July 2016.

The full matrix signs get activated when it detects vehicles that are too high, and flashes an electronic warning message.

These warning signs are installed either side of the bridge, providing ample warning for the oversized vehicle drivers.

The company noted that its warning signs are manufactured using energy-efficient LEDs to enhance visual impact as well as to give early and clear information, particularly for non-English speaking drivers.

The signs are integrated with TfL’s London Streets and Traffic Control Centre for full monitoring and control.