The Highways Agency is launching a trial of new smart signs designed to encourage safe driving on the A12 London-bound carriageway in Essex, something which may have an impact on car insurance costs.

New technology known as Vehicle Activated Speed Indicator Devices, which will flash up the number plates of cars travelling too fast as a visual warning for them to slow down, is to be tested on the road for the first time.

It is hoped the signs will encourage motorists to drive within the speed limits and in turn improve the safety conditions on Britain's roads.

Mark Hooley, Highways Agency project sponsor, said the data will be analysed to see how effective it is in deterring speeding.

"We are investigating whether the system has an effect on the behaviour of drivers. We will assess the vehicle speed data and look at what impact the messages had on drivers and how well the technology worked with live traffic," he stated.

In other news, Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Highways Agency's national traffic control centre has urged motorists to be careful around airports and coastal resorts as the level of traffic is likely to be high during the school holidays.

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