Scotland Attempts To Address Road Safety Concerns Using Technology

The resident of a private residence was sadly killed in a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) collision that happened on February 14, 2013, on the A78 in the village of Fairlie, North Ayrshire. This incident prompted the development of a novel solution that makes use of technological advances. It is the first of its type in the UK and attempts to address non-speed compliance in real-time while also favourably influencing drivers’ behaviour.

It is portrayed as a progressive strategy for improving traffic safety, backed up by research on how well-behaved typical enforcement techniques are at increasing traffic safety above and beyond deterrence. It also discusses public opinion and attitudes, highlighting the need for a speed compliance system that is considered fair and effective. In the UK the number of deaths in built-up areas in 2022 was 770, which was 8% more than the year before. This underscores the need for addressing avoidable traffic fatalities and emphasizes the critical role that technology can play in providing a network of safe transportation. The Vision Zero initiative emphasizes the urgent need for action by aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Additionally, fewer drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit on UK motorways or 60 mph roads in 2023, according to a RAC study on drivers’ perceptions. On 30 mph or 20 mph routes, however, there has been no difference in the recorded speeding. This emphasizes even further how these kinds of roads require more interventions.

When introducing new speed enforcement systems, it can be difficult to gauge how people would react to them because of differences in risk perception, education, prior experiences, and cognitive dissonance. While 71% of the UK public reportedly firmly believe that speed cameras are only used to save lives, 58% of people think that the primary reason for their installation is to make money. This viewpoint is clarified by a Griffiths analysis from 2023, which shows that the fines derived from these technologies significantly contribute to annual revenue of almost £10 million.

Furthermore, new information obtained through a freedom of information request reveals an important fact: nearly half of the speed cameras in Wales and England are currently inactive. The effectiveness of these gadgets in achieving their intended objective is called into question by this disclosure.

When analyzing how well speed cameras work to improve traffic safety, it’s important to take into account both real results and public perceptions. According to RAC’s 2018 report, out of 2,000 respondents, 79% thought average speed cameras were the most effective, while only 9% preferred fixed-site cameras. This opinion is consistent with the idea of fairness since 53% of respondents thought average speed cameras provided a more nuanced approach to enforcement, making them more equitable to drivers who inadvertently exceed the speed limit for a small period.

A substantial 28% of drivers do not think they will be stopped by speed cameras, according to a 2023 RAC analysis, indicating a possible weakness in the deterrent effect of these devices2. This calls into question the effectiveness of the sanctions levied following a speeding incident because it’s possible that they won’t have the desired immediate impact on improving road safety.

The dynamic nature of road safety concerns highlights the necessity for a comprehensive plan. One could argue that a more dynamic and all-encompassing strategy is required, one that smoothly combines technology with other safety precautions, is seen as equitable, and offers real, instant advantages.

The Fairlie tragedy had a profound effect on the neighbourhood and sparked a movement to promote improvements in traffic safety. Transport Scotland’s operating firm for the Southwest Unit, Scotland TranServ, was tasked with conducting traffic surveys in response. The drivers were found to be consistently going faster than the 30 mph speed limit.

Several traffic-calming measures were put in place, such as new road markings like “SLOW” markings, speed limit roundels, and dragon’s teeth, as well as vehicle-activated signs on the outer approaches. Even with these initiatives, studies conducted regularly revealed that many cars in the hamlet continued to drive faster than the posted speed limit, necessitating the installation of further safety

With road safety issues still present, Scotland TranServ spoke with Clearview Intelligence to find new approaches to changing driving behaviour and bringing the average speed through the hamlet down even more. As a result, they decided to fund an innovative program—the first of its type in the United Kingdom. To deter speeding, this project made use of the village centre’s traffic signals. Along with supply chain partners Dynniq Group and Coeval Ltd., Clearview Intelligence oversaw and implemented the design, which included innovative wireless vehicle speed detection, traffic signals, and speed-activated signs. The goal of this comprehensive strategy is to activate a speed warning sign to notify drivers who are going over the speed limit. Those who did not slow down would then see the traffic light turn red and would have to stop completely.

Two Clearview Intelligence M100 magnetometer wireless car sensors, positioned 136 and 144 meters from the stop line in both directions, were used to calculate approaching vehicle speeds. The capacity of this wireless detecting device to do away with the requirement for 280 meters of pricey trenching and ducting was a noteworthy benefit. This saved possible damage to the road surface on this regularly used route in addition to negative effects on traffic congestion and inconvenience.

A proactive response was made possible by enabling the wireless communication of vehicle speed data to traffic signals. Drivers who went faster than the 30 mph speed restriction found that their trips through the village were longer, and they quickly adjusted by slowing down to prevent setting off the traffic signal. By assuring intricate operating setups, Clearview Intelligence made sure that traffic lights changed to red in a timely and safe manner, protecting drivers and pedestrians alike.

Along with more offside secondary signal heads and prominent speed-activated signs on the approach to the junction, the updated road surface with high friction coating and new road markings completed the picture.

Rather than depending solely on punitive measures, this effort intended to positively impact driver behaviour by offering incentives for compliance, as opposed to the conventional practice of deploying speed enforcement cameras as a deterrent. In keeping with the tenets of the Safe Systems Approach, it recognized that mistakes are occasionally made by humans and lessened the repercussions of those errors or outright noncompliance.

It is claimed that a more dynamic and comprehensive strategy is required to address non-compliance in real time by seamlessly integrating enforcement technology with other safety measures. This is to the function enforcement technology plays in providing a safe transport system. Technology can change the world when it is used with compassion and purpose, as seen by the innovative collaboration between Clearview Intelligence and Scotland TranServ.

Not only did the wireless detection system show promise in reducing speeding and altering driver behaviour, but it also showed promise in terms of cost-effective installation that avoided interfering with traffic on the busy road. The Fairlie initiative emphasizes positive reinforcement in contrast to traditional methods, which only use fines and deterrence. Instead, incentives are offered for compliance.

It signifies a paradigm shift in road safety strategies by utilizing technology. It serves as a beacon of innovation and a monument to the possibilities of proactive, technology-driven solutions that move us closer to Vision Zero, where safety is not just a goal but an ensured outcome, as we work toward a future with fewer needless deaths on our roads.