Greater Manchester's High-Tech Road

M62 stretch in Greater Manchester uses innovative radar technology that can spot stuck cars in 20 seconds.

17:21 20 April 2022

An innovative radar technology makes M62 stretch in Greater Manchester one of the 'most high-tech roads' in the UK today. 

 

The new radar, which was officially launched on April 20, are designed to detect stuck drivers within 20 seconds of a breakdown or accident and send alerts to the Stopped Vehicle Detection unit in real-time. 

 

Along with the said technology, existing signage, CCTV and sensors will also be used to monitor traffic volumes and detect congestion. Duncan Smith, National Highways executive director for operations, said that these measures will strengthen what is already 'the most technologically advanced road system in the world.'

 

Mr Smith said: “What stopped vehicle detection does for us is shortens the time for us to be aware of an incident.” He explained that currently, if you are involved in an accident or break down on the smart motorway, it takes an average of seven minutes for your vehicle to be detected after the control room is made aware through a call from the driver, an alert from the police after the driver calls, or staff are alerted to the resulting queuing traffic."

 

Mr Smith added: “One of our operators then, typically within two minutes, will find you on the CCTV cameras, will understand which lane you are in and whether you are still there and if you are stranded, they will then update the signs from ‘reported obstruction’ to something that’s compelling drivers to do something different.”