National Highways looks for new ways to ‘ease pain’ of roadworks

• National Highways launches competition to find new technology, products or services to improve drivers' experience of roadworks. 
• Winners will receive £15,000 funding to transform their idea into reality. 
• The winners are expected to be announced in January 2023. 

A competition is being launched to find new technology, products or services that can make the experience of roadworks an “easier one”.

National Highways, which maintains and operates England’s motorways and major A road, says it is seeking ideas that will make a “positive difference” to people’s experience of roadworks whether they are driving through the roadworks or living nearby.

Competition winners will receive up to £15,000 funding to explore the feasibility of using their new or existing technology, product or idea on National Highways’ roads.

The ideas that are most successful in the trials will be taken forward with National Highways and its supply chain, working towards full commercialisation.

Nicola Bell, executive director of major projects at National Highways, said: “We know that roadworks remain a common cause of irritation for many people. Not only do they impact on the driving public themselves, but they also have a knock-on effect on the surrounding communities and local businesses.  

“Roadworks are essential as we invest billions of pounds ensuring our roads are managed, developed and maintained, but that work can impact on day-to-day lives and the local economy.

“Through this competition we hope to find solutions that we haven’t yet trialled, tested or even thought of ourselves that will make a difference for road users, communities and businesses impacted by works. The brief is deliberately wide because we want people to come to us with a whole range of ideas.”  

The competition, in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, runs from Monday (5 September) until 9 October, with the winners expected to be announced in January 2023.