A New Zealand designed road marker believed to be a world first has the potential to keep drivers safer by alerting them to road conditions where ice is likely to form.
The NZ Transport Agency starts a trial in July 2014 at five sites in the Coastal Otago area of a marker that displays a flashing blue light during frosty conditions where ice is likely to form. All the trial sites have significant ice related crash histories. The PATeye marker was designed by Christchurch firm Solar Bright
NZ Transport Agency Otago/Southland State highways Manager Ian Duncan says this trial is will assess what effect the markers have on driver behaviour Motorists will also be surveyed to see what they think of the PATeye markers.
“The markers have the potential to make an important contribution to the “Safe roads and safe roadside” aspects of the “Safe system” that drives the NZ Transport Agency approach to reducing death and serious injuries on our roads.”
Depending on the results, the trial could be extended to other parts of the country. This technology also has the potential to assist road crews to more effectively and efficiently target gritting and other ice reduction work. ,.
Mr Duncan said the NZ Transport Agency felt it was important to measure the effectiveness of the markers on both highways and urban city roads. The Queenstown/Lakes District Council, Central Otago District Council and Dunedin City Council are also testing this technology on their respective local road networks.
State highway trial sites:
State highway 1 - Northern Motorway Dunedin (Leith Saddle)
State highway 1 -Taieri River Bridge
State highway 8- Manuka Gorge
State highway 1- Narrowdale Intersection just north of Milton
For more information on PATeye markers go to: www.pateye.com(external link)
Bob Nettleton
Regional Communications Advisor
T DDI 03 951 3005
M 021 954 928
E-mail bob.nettleton@nzta.govt.nz
Solar Bright contact:
Nicola Martin
Managing Director
T DDI 03 981 9844 / 0508 (LED LED) 533 533
M 021 99 1332
E-mail nicola@solarbright.co.nz
