- Injury collisions eliminated at high-risk location near Durham
- Low-cost intervention uses thermal detection technology and solar power
A low-cost collision avoidance system installed by Norfolk-based road safety technology firm Westcotec has won this year’s Highways ‘Road Safety Scheme of the Year’. Implementation of the system at a high-risk junction in Durham has eliminated fatal and serious collisions, with not a single incident recorded in the past seven years. Westcotec’s success was announced at the Highways Awards on Tuesday 24 September at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. The firm’s technology was installed in 2017 on Trouts Lane, a well-used road located just north of Durham, following extensive research and consultation with Durham County Council. It was a high-risk location, with high levels of traffic heading to and from Lanchester Road Hospital. In the six years leading up to 2017, 10 fatal and serious injury collisions were recorded at the junction. Since the technology was installed, this has dropped to zero. The dynamic system only activates when there is a specific need. In this case, the presence of potentially conflicting traffic at the junction ahead (not visible to the driver approaching on Trouts Lane) triggers a roadside sign to illuminate and warn of the traffic on the junction. At times when no conflicting traffic is present, the sign does not activate. Westcotec sales director Olly Samways said: “We are thrilled to have seen off a line-up of high-quality submissions to collect this prestigious award. “The Trouts Lane installation ranks as one of our most effective casualty reduction schemes. Since our technology was installed in 2017, the site has had no personal injury collisions, compared with 10 incidents in the six previous years. “The system only activates if there are turning vehicles ahead, so regular users of the road pay more attention. The risk of getting used to the warning is also greatly reduced. This is a far more effective method of warning drivers, as there is nothing for them to see and react to when the junction is clear ahead. “The low-cost technology works conveniently via thermal detection cameras and is solar powered, meaning there is no requirement to dig up the road at time of installation. “Westcotec thrives on innovation, relishing the challenge of implementing cost-effective solutions that save lives. This award is sure to inspire and motivate us as we work with partners across the United Kingdom and beyond to reduce risk on the roads.”