A ‘proof of concept’ trial of a new generation of smart street lighting has been completed on England’s M40 motorway at Junction 15, Longbridge Roundabout near Birmingham – showing that CCTV and wireless communications can be seamlessly installed in the lanterns of streetlights.
The Illuminate trial ran for five months last year and successfully proved the concept. The technology was able to communicate data to desktop devices and tablets, paving the way for the full V2X networks of the future for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs).
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Drivers would have been oblivious to the CCTV and communications technology hidden in the lamppost as it was installed when the lights were switched to the upgraded, greener LED lighting. The fixtures, called V-Max, were supplied by manufacturer Holophane while MWay installed the technology inside the fixtures and worked on the software that enables communications.
National Highways worked with Kier Highways on the Illuminate trial. Carla Vicente, project manager for Kier Highways, says: “Being able to install technology, such as CCTV, while we replace street lighting is a more efficient way of working and provides better value to customers. More importantly, it is a safer and less disruptive way of working, reducing the number of road closures needed. »
National Highways Innovation Manager for the Midlands, Lisa Maric, adds: “These are exciting times as we move forward in our journey on digital roads with the growth of digital technology and the shift to electric, connected and autonomous vehicles. which will fundamentally change the way we use roads in the future.
“National Highways is committed to ensuring we are at the forefront of this digital revolution and setting the stage for the greener, safer roads of tomorrow.
“Early trials like Illuminate will help us identify new innovations, technologies and methods to achieve our digital goals. We were pleased with how Illuminate performed as a proof of concept and the useful insights gained as we continue to plan the roads of the future. »
The trial was funded by the National Highways Innovation and Modernization Fund, which helps maximize the opportunities offered by developments such as automated vehicles while putting safety at the forefront of emerging technologies.