Competition seeks to improve the experience of driving through roadworks

Organisations and individuals with innovative ideas for technology, products or services which could have a positive impact on the experience of driving through roadworks are being invited to participate in a new funding competition.

National Highways – working in collaboration with the Connected Places Catapult – is offering up to £15,000 for firms to explore the feasibility of such innovations before undertaking potential trials on the strategic road network.

The competition also seeks to identify and test ideas that could help make a difference for nearby communities and businesses impacted by works on the highway.

“Roadworks are essential as we invest billions of pounds ensuring our roads are managed, developed and maintained,” said National Highways’ executive director of major projects Nicola Bell. “But that work can impact on day to day lives and the local economy,” she pointed out, with efforts to upgrade or maintain roads remaining “a common cause of irritation” for many people.

“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. The brief is deliberately wide because we want people to come to us with a whole range of ideas.”

The competition will see up to 10 winning entrants receive up to £15,000 each to assess the feasibility of their products.

The best ideas will then be taken forward – with technical and commercial support from the Connected Places Catapult – and their promoters will have the opportunity to apply for further funding to carry out trials on National Highways’ roads.

Those that prove most successful in the trials will go on to work with National Highways and its supply chain towards full commercialisation.

The Connected Places Catapult’s executive director of SME and academic engagement, Alex Weedon, added, “In collaboration with National Highways we are looking to find a range of innovative ideas that can help improve people’s experience of roadworks. We are excited to see what solutions are brought to the table as part of this competition.”

The closing date for the competition is 9 October and winners will be announced in January. Those considering submitting an entry can also join a webinar on 19 September where prospective entrants can receive application support from National Highways and the Connected Places Catapult.