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5/10/04 |
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Intelligent Transport systems in the South African province of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa have resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured, according to the head of the Provincial Department of Transport, Safety and Security.
Announcing the result of a major trial of intelligent road studs on the R66 route north of Durban recently, Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa said that the number of accidents had dropped from 307 in the twelve months preceding the installation of the ITS device to just 22 in the following year. Fatalities had fallen from 15 to 2 in the same period. As a result the government had, he said, plans to extend the use of the intelligent studs to a number of other accident 'red spot' locations throughout South Africa. Dr Mbanjwa also indicated that the government's plans had been influenced by the large number of visitors expected to visit the country for the 2010 World Cup and the opening of the Afrisun Casino in the Province.
In a contract worth 6 million Rand (€ 0.86 million), a total of 7,800 solar-powered studs developed by the British company Astucia were originally fitted to a 34 Km stretch of the R66 north of Durban. The scenic route is popular with tourists and locals but suffers from poor visibility due to the number of sharp bends and from the morning and evening mists. That contract was later extended to cover a total of 100 Km of the road.
The bi-directional studs are fitted with a solar-powered battery, a light sensor and an LED and are, say the company, visible for up to 1000 metres ahead of the driver, significantly improving driving conditions.
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For further information, contact:
Sandy Callander, Astucia Transport Management Systems, West Malling, England. Tel #44 1732 878700, E-mail: sandy@astucia.co.uk
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