Technology trial to improve roadworker safety

AI-enabled system will give staff early warning of dangerous driving

Cutting-edge AI technology is to be trialled in Scotland to help improve the safety of roadworkers.

It 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 roadworkers 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 roadworkers.

Tom Milner, UK/Europe Commercial and Operations Lead from Forsite Connected Safety, said:

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 roadworkers. 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, said:

Amey wants every roadworker 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 roadworker 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.