AI technology will be trialled in Scotland in a bid to improve the safety of road workers.
The ‘cutting-edge’ tech will be deployed across the trunk road network to detect dangerous driving as vehicles approach roadworks and provide staff with early warning alerts through wearable technology.
The Forsite Connected Safety system uses cameras and radar to monitor oncoming traffic for speeding and erratic driving behaviour. The pilot, a European first, will begin later this year, with all of Scotland’s trunk road operating companies taking part.
Cabinet secretary for transport Stephen Flynn said, “Our road workers play a vital role in keeping Scotland moving, and they should be able to carry out their jobs safely. This trial of innovative camera technology aims to better protect staff carrying out essential maintenance by providing earlier warning of potentially dangerous driving.
“Sadly, vehicle incursions into roadworks have become an industry-wide issue in recent years. That’s why we are taking action to improve the safety of our workforce. I look forward to seeing the results of this trial and the positive impact this technology could have on protecting road workers.”
Tom Milner, UK/Europe commercial and operations lead from Forsite Connected Safety, added, “Forsite is built around a simple principle: providing time to act changes the outcome. The earlier a worker is alerted to a risk of a dangerous vehicle, the more time they have to act. This technology is about giving roadworkers clear, direct warning when approaching vehicles presents increased risk, and providing teams with accurate, objective site information to proactively inform and improve the safety controls for their workers.”
Duncan Crilley, operations supervisor at BEAR Scotland, said, “You see it every day – people jumping lights. Drivers racing through convoy set-ups, cones, and barriers. People should respect road workers. They are only doing their job. I feel relieved when my team come in and nothing has happened, they are heading home to their families. That is what drivers need to remember: drive past roadworkers as if they are your family – they are someone’s family.”
Garry Head, operating company representative for Amey’s south-west trunk road network, commented, “Amey wants every road worker and road user to go home safe and well at the end of the day, and any innovative new technology that can improve safety and reduce the number of incursions is welcome. Every incursion puts a road worker in the path of a vehicle that could injure or kill them. Drivers may not realise they are also in danger, not just from entering a live construction site, but also from risking disqualification, a heavy fine or even a criminal prosecution if someone is harmed.”
