Smart Motorways
I read recently that the powers that be are considering raising the speed limit along stretches of motorways etc that are having significant work carried out.
Personally, I have no objection to slowing down to 30mph along the stretches where there is actual work taking place for the safety of the workpeople present at these specific places. But, as many of us know, the problem is that the limit is 50mph for miles and miles along roads where no activity is taking place. Those who frequent motorways being upgraded to "smart" traffic control know what I mean.
Given that the idea of these newly managed stretches are to optimise traffic flow, it occurred to me that during their construction, they are missing a trick.
Instead of having the same old metal boards painted with 50mph on them, and given the fact that the technology seems readily available, why not replace these with variable road signs. Thus, for example, if there is a stretch which does not currently have someone's mummy or daddy working on it, these could be allowed to still function at normal 70mpg limits, with signs for reductions in the limit being flagged up as one actually approached some workmen doing something.
In simple terms, why not have "smart"
roadwork systems and signs in place while upgrading motorways to being "smart"?