Following extensive consultation with the local community, Scotland TranServ on behalf of Transport Scotland will this week start construction of an innovative new traffic management system for Springholm.
Installation of the Reverse Speed Discrimination Signals will mean that Springholm will be the first village to benefit from the use of signals in this way.
Vincent Tait, Scotland TranServ’s Road Safety Manager explains:
“We’ve been working with the local community to reduce the speed profile, particularly of HGVs through the village, without significantly changing the profile of the A75. Two sets of traffic lights will be installed at the entry and exit to the village, linked to a speed monitoring device embedded in the road.
“Only if vehicles reduce their speed below a particular limit, will the lights remain green. If they go over that threshold, then this will trigger the lights to red. The lights operate individually in each direction.”
The project is an extension of the prize winning Vehicle Activated Signage project which won gold at last week’s prestigious Highways Awards. Digital speed signs are activated by recognising the axle width of passing motorbikes, cars and lorries, displaying the associated messaging for the class of vehicles.
Working with contractors Dynniq, Swarco and Dumfries and Galloway Council, installation of the lights will begin on Monday 30th October. They are expected to go live by the end of November. As part of this trial programme the lights will be continually monitored for the foreseeable future.
Andy Fraser, Operating Company Representative for Scotland TranServ added:
“The A75 is one of the main arterial routes through Dumfries and Galloway, not only supporting local communities and businesses, but many of the freight companies and visitors using the route south. Scotland TranServ is supporting Transport Scotland’s work across South West Scotland’s trunk road network, delivering tangible, long-term benefits throughout the region.”
