Smart traffic lights that always turn green as you arrive are set to be trialled in the UK
New traffic light technology which will communicate with a driver's smartphone to make sure they arrive as the signal changes is set to be tested in Britain
NEW traffic light technology could slash the amount of time you spend waiting for them to turn green.
Smart signals designed to end stop-go driving are set to be tested in Britain.
Designed to cut congestion and reduce vehicle emissions through more efficient driving, the lights will be able to communicate with a driver's smartphone.
They can then advise the motorist what speed they should drive at so they arrive at the next set of lights just as they turn green - meaning you won't have to slow down or stop for the signal.
The concept is being developed by US-based engineering firm AECOM, but will be tested in the UK - using a simulation model of the A59 in York.
It is one of five shortlisted entries in a competition launched by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), Highways England and Innovate UK to create roads for driverless cars.
AECOM principal consultant Heather Hawkins said: "We are excited and are eager to get started so we can better understand the potential impact of vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies on our local road network in York.
"We are fortunate to be living and working in a city which has chosen to be an early innovator, deploying and testing these technologies on-street through existing research programmes. It's truly inspiring and we are grateful to be a part of it."
Latest motors news
And according to the RAC, the new technology could help to prolong the life of your car while reducing emissions.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: "It is great to see novel technology like this being trialled. Stop-start traffic causes drivers to use their brakes more, which causes wear, and accelerate more, which can increase vehicle emissions."
NIC chairman Sir John Armitt said: "We can see for ourselves the progress in developing cars for the future, with trials of driverless cars taking place across the country.
"We now need to make sure the technology on our roads keeps up."