Road _Costain
The new road sign technology boosts the UK’s safety and sustainability. Credit: Costain.

British construction and engineering firm Costain and Austrian traffic technology group Swarco have collaborated to develop and install the next generation of digital road message signs in the UK.

Highways England has also partnered with the two companies to develop the new road sign technology.

The signs are expected to improve road safety and travellers’ journey experiences by displaying clear messages and graphics during adverse weather conditions.

The technology also provides live video feeds of traffic congestion to keep drivers fully informed and allow them to plan their routes to avoid delays.

Costain managing director Ian Parker said: “Costain is leading the way in the use of digital technologies on the strategic road network and changing the landscape in how road users use road signs, improving safety and journey experience.”

The new signs were first installed on the A14, a road project between Huntington and Cambridge.

Swarco Intelligent Transport Systems UK and APMEA vice-president Jeremy Cowling said: “Swarco is extremely proud to have worked with Costain on this project. We are at the forefront in developing low power, sustainable technologies to make our roads safer.

“This results in highly legible, environmentally friendly road signs which also minimise maintenance time and costs.”

The two companies will install signs on the M20, M23 and M1 this year and throughout 2020.

Last month, Highways England launched a trial using automatic number plate readers to provide digital road sign warnings in foreign languages.