Swindon traffic lights to turn red on speeding cars

Swindon Borough Council is set to upgrade its traffic-light system with next-generation models that automatically turn red when they detect drivers speeding.

Swindon is to trial next-generation traffic lights that turn red when they sense a speeding car. Photo credit: myrrh.ahn/Flickr

The lights use a sensor in the road, placed a short distance away, to record how fast traffic is flowing. If cars are travelling too quickly, a control unit automatically changes the lights to red, bringing traffic to a grinding halt.

It is hoped the new lights will encourage drivers to slow down, as they realise speeding could actually make their journey significantly longer. It is thought the lights could also shame drivers into slowing down, as those who break the speed limit will be easily identified by fellow motorists as the person responsible for the hold-up.

For more on this ZDNet UK-selected story, see Next-gen traffic lights will turn red if you're speeding on CNET UK.