Road enhancements aims to improve safety on A417

Between 2017-2021, five serious collisions were recorded involving a vehicle crossing the road’s dashed centre line.  

Using designated funding we have replaced the existing dashed centre line with a continuous double white centre line and installed over 600 LED solar road studs, on a 1.3-mile section of the A417 between the junctions with the B4070 and Cowley Lane. 

This change will help discourage overtaking manoeuvres by reinforcing the no overtaking rule as set out in the Highway Code.  

LED solar road studs on both sides of the road will also help to define the layout of road – by highlighting junctions and entry/exit slip roads to all road users.  

The red and green studs provide additional visibility at junctions, improving visibility to drivers at night-time, as well as in poor weather conditions.   

Additional benefits include: 

• Helping drivers feel safer: A 2020 survey of drivers suggested that LED road studs may help reduce the likelihood of night-time accidents and help drivers feel more confident using roads with them installed on.  

• Reduced future maintenance and disruption: The studs require minimal maintenance, reducing the frequency of future repairs and road closures, thereby minimising future disruption to drivers.  

• Safety considerations for motorcyclists: The stud’s lower profile of less than 4mm will improve the road experience for motorcyclists. 

• Environmental considerations: The use of solar road studs significantly reduces environmental impact, as additional street lighting is not required. Furthermore, by harnessing solar energy to power the studs, this helps to minimise the total amount of light pollution at this location, demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability.