The Ontario Ministry of Transportation in Canada will install new full-colour electronic signs to enhance safety on its major highways by next year.

The new signs are expected to improve readability on changing highway conditions and construction to make driving easier and safer.

In all, ten variable message signs will be installed along Highways 401, 404 and the Don Valley Parkway.

The signs will be provided by Canadian firm Black & McDonald under a $6.2m contract.

According to the ministry, studies have shown that the messages on variable message signs reduce collisions by 12%.