GB2301924A - Road speed arrangements - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle speedometer lights up with a colour which depends on the speed, as do lights on front and rear of the vehicle, and passenger lights within e.g. buses. Speed limit signposts, traffic control lights, painted road markings and cat's-eyes indicate speed limit by their colour. The speed limit traffic control lights may be combined with fog and accident warnings and may be programmed from police handsets or traffic cameras.

Description

SPEED AWARENESS COLOUR CODE SYSTEM" Background The invention relates to e Speed Awereness Colour Code System. This system in effect consists of a series of coloured lights for motor vehicles, coloured road markings, speed sign posts, and cats eyes, each colour provides information or messages to the motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians and other road users alike.

The system in it's entirety includes the use of motor vehicles and the national road network.

Even though this system consists of two categories, each one working in conjunclion with the other, It is entirely possible for one celegory to work Independently of the other.

The purpose of the invention is to provide the public with a system of driving, which colitribules to greater road safety and thereby reduce the number of annual deaths and injuries on the roads. Lest years speeding figures alone being equal to 1000 deaths and 77000 injuries.

This invention is designed to make road users more aware of the speed restrictions placed on the national road network.

The information, following, given on the colour coded lights and colour coded markings in.

this invention, is also appealing to the passengers on public service buses and private hire coaches.

The speed awercne@@ colour code system in principle isso simple to follow that evet strangers to this country (or 10 any other country) providing they are using a velucle fitted with the colour code system, would be able to drive within the bounds of any maximum speed limit on any road and in any country where coloured road markings are in practice.

To simplify metters still further, all the driver needs to do, is to allow his or her speedometer to seek out the colour nppropride to the markings on the rord in progress. In doing this the driver must know that the vehicle is being driven within the maximum speed allowed in any given area The reason why the speed awareness colour code system is very simple is because colour has no language barrier and is thereby common to every country in the world.

The maximum speed limit can also be increased or decreased on any road at any time without prior warning to the road users simply because the driver would follow the new colour road markings guided by the speedometer colour system SACCS is the ultinlate driving system. it cannot be improved on, it will take any country adopting the colour system into the 21" century for the safest possible driving Road deaths and injuries have now reached epidemic proportions. The colour system has been designed to calm tlie drivers or every country down, without being vindictive to the driver.The general public snd childrcn at school can olso be educated to the colour code system this would give therm more well being and awareness of road speeds and moving traffic Technical Features The present invention directly relales lo the motor vehicle which will include unique features, one of which maybe a speedometer designed with a series of lenses around the front outer circumference, each lens illuminating in Its own specific colour according to ns range of speed in progress, I.e. for each ten miles per hour section in which the driver Is exceeding the speed limit, the corresponding light will come on thereby obliging the driver lo be aware that he or she Is now exceeding the maximum speed limit.Therefore necessitates In the reduction of speed until the light colour codes comply lo the one representing the correct speed range.

At this stage, the light colours within the presel illustrations serve only as examples for registratIon purposes and are not yet specific.

The information given to the driver by the colour coded speedometer also has 8 set of correspondence lights discreetly designed into the center front and rear on the outside of the vehicle. These lights give exactly the seme information lo other road users as the speedometer gives to the driver, and of course at the same instant, the outside speed lights maybe observed by pedestrians and possibly the traffic police.

Wrath this shared information in mind, the driver will have a sharper awareness of his or her present speed. The system also includes a service monitor on the dashboard which will detect any malfunction on the Inside end outside of the vehicle. The whole system works In conjunction with the speedometer either directly from source or via e junction box as illustrated.

The lighting method maybe constructed by the use of small light bulbs or fiber optics or perhaps liquid crystal. The outside multiple light component may also take the form of a single lampnens using a single multi-filament bulb, each bearing Its own colour. In all cases the outside lights maybe possibly fitted with opaque lenses which would give off a distInctive but not daallng light.

The remainder of this invention includes the road network itself. tt is well known that most of the road markings within the Uniled Kingdom ale painted white irrespective of the speed limitations in each area. There are also yellow painled lines which give off the message of perking restriclions or road junction limitalions.

In this invention the road markings shall be colour coded according lo their speed limitetion areas, i.e., a 30 miles per hour road would have green line markings rether than while. In this way the lines are not only giving off their normal messages to the drivers. but also the added benefit of reminding the drivers of their obligations towards the maximum speed in that area. The colour code changes to another colour as and when the speed limit changes on another road, i.e., yellow or lemon lines on a 40 miles per hour road etc. These colours are only suggestions in order to portray the idea of the invention. The present road markings may remain exactly the same as they are except that they may be painted over in the colours specified for the speed limit in its own area.

Technical Features Cont'd Also the peint or colouring may be of a reflective or fluorescent nature to assist in night lime driving. These same colours may also apply to the background colour of the speed limit sign posts.

In the event that the driver misses seeing the sign post, the opportunity to know what the speed limit Is would not be missed, since the colour road merkings will inform the driver what speed limit he should be driving at In that area.

Addilionally, the present system of cats eyes may also be colour coded in the same way, this would include both the rubber capping and also the reflectors. The rubber cappings would show up during the day whilst the cats eye reflector would show up during the night.

To simplify matters for the drivers, they simply have to comply and drive at a speed where the colour on the dash board facia matches that of the road markings. In this way drivers cannot fail but to be mindful and aware of their speed and the maximum speed limit at all times.

In any case, the speed range at which a vehicle is moving is entirely observable by other road users and pedestrians alike including traffic police. This invention which eventually includes all private ad public transport alone with the Uniled Kingdom road network. must assist drivers being mindful and aware of their speed.

As a further assislance lo drivers using the colour code system, a simple self adhesive sticker may be placed on the dashboard just lo remind the driver of which colour represents which maximum speed.

For road sefety educalion purposes, the colour code system may be added to tlie school cuniculum, thereby supplying the nation with a new and safer generation of drivers.

If necessary. it may be possible lo paint every other line (road marking) in the speed coded colours, leaving every alternate line while. This would have the effect of the coloured lines lelling the maximum speed by day. Whilst white ones are for night driving along witti cals eyes using colour coded lenses.

Examples A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Shows an illustration of a speedometer incorporating speed awareness lights around the circumference.

Figure 2 Illustrates the outside speed awareness lights which shall be fitted to the front and rear of a motor vehicle. This could include a series of lenses built within one fitling. One set for the rear and one set for the front.

Figure 2:1 Shows an assoriment of single lamp lenses of varying shapes (for choice purposes) whereby the lamp contains a single mulli-filament bulb, each filament having its own colour.

These lamps ere simply an option compared to the multi lens lamp.

Figure 2:2 Illustrates an example of how the speed awareness lights (fitted to the vehicle) works when a driver decides to exceed the national speed limit, i.e., 70 miles per hour.

When the speedometer registers 71 miles per hour, the approptiate light (in this drawing light "A") will illuminate and remain this way until either the speed is reduced to 70 miles per hour or less, or Is increased to 81 miles per hour.

when 81 miles per hour is reeched, the same light will begin to pulsate (go on an of) at an officially specified frequency. This light for instence may be purple. At this stage. should the driver increase the speed still further, through to 91 miles per hour, the light "A" will go out (the purple lighl) end Light "B' will be illuminated. This may be a red light. This red light will remain on steadily until the driver either reduces his speed to 90 miles per hour or less.

or increases it to 101 miles per hour. Should the speed then continue to increase,then light "B". the red light will begin to pulsate (go on and off) at an officially specified frequency.

This red light (light "B") will continue to pulstae to an infinite increase in speed, i.e., from 101 miles per hour upwards until the speed is reduced to 100 miles per hour or less.

Since it is illegal to drive any where on Brilain's roads at more than 70 miles per hour. then it 'it'll deem itself obvious that there shall be no road markings in cottesporidence colours to the Speed Awareness Colour Coded System (SACCS).

Examples Figure 2:2 Cont'd As an addition lo thIs. but on the opposite or lowest end of the speed range. 0-10 miles per hour, it is not necessary to display a speed awareness light since the pink light which represents a maximum speed is 20 mlles per hour does not illuminate until the speedometer reglsters 11 miles per hour. In this way, ff a vehicle is displaying no speed light at all. then It may be observed that it is doing a maximum of 10 miles per hour, i.e., In hospital grounds etc. or if the speed deems it obvious that one of the higher speed lights is malfunclioning.

This of course is something the driver should be patiently aware of on account of the built in service monilor as Illustraled in figure 3.

Figure 3 Illustrates 8 service monitor for the speed awareness light system to delect any would be malfunction to the outside front and rear. This system may also use only two lenses, one for the rear using multi filament bulbs lo change the colours.

Figure 4 Illustrates the possible use of a junction box which shall service the speedometer-and ell lights pertaining to the speed awareness light system.

Figure 5 Shows and demonstrates the speed awareness light system when fitted together in a motor vehicle. The system in its entirety may differ in reality but the principle will remain exactly the same.

This system shows the speedometer with lights, a service monitor, a junction box, and also a light clusler for external display.

Figure 6 Illustrates 8 random range of vehicles fitted with the speed awareness light system. All vehicles may use this colour code system including motorcycles. Motorcycles. Are not illustrated. included is also a coloured drawing for the sake of demonstration purposes.

Example Coaches And Public Services Buses As an addition to the illustration in figure 6, which shows a public service vehicle (bus) among an assortment of other private vehicles. this Invention takes into account. that since vehicle drivers have their own speed awareness colour codes on the dashboard facias i.e, the coloured speedometer and service monitor, that all fare paying passengers (who have no control over the speed of the vehicle) also have the right to feel safe whilst traveling, and so therefore is Incumbenl upon the system to provide the passengers with a sequence of speed awareness lights that they loo may also observe, without reference to the driver, unless the driver is at any stage exceeding the maximum speed limit.

This particular service (speed awareness colour code) would be essentially beneficial to the fare paying passengers traveling on private hire coaches since these vehicles very often use the national motorway network.

Private hire coaches often travel at high speed and particularly on motorways which in itself must effect the safely factor in the event or an unforeseen occurrence, i.e. a puncture, a object in the middle of the road, or a stray animal etc.

In view of these events, the speed awareness colour code system is extremely responsible in principle and therefore demands that the safety of passengers be the top priority and not the time keeping or schedule of the private hire cosch companies. The speed colour code system could be frtted over the lop of the windscreen inside the vehicle to face the passengers, the driver could not then (either by design or unwittingly) exceed the maximum limit without the full knowledge of the passengers.

In any case, the colour code system has been designed in such a manner that it would be difficult for a driver to unwittingly' exceed the speed limit. In the event that a driver does exceed the speed limit, the new shared knowledge now possessed by the passengers provides them with a rightful and genuine reason to remind the driver of hisfl,er obligation to reduce the speed lo a safer level.

It is unlikely that this new concept for safer speeds will be offered any disagreement by other road users, pedestrians. school children, road crossing wardens, traffic police, AA.

RAC. advanced driving institutions. insurance companies. or people who have unfortunalely been bereaved by road accidents due direclly to excessive speeds Figure 7 Illustrates a molor vehicle (from the drivers viewpoint) using the speed awareness colour code lights whilst driving on a road using coloured code road maikings and matching sign post.

Figure 7:1-6 Illustrates the same es figure 7 but in colour lo demonstrate the principle of the idea for registration purposes. All drawings in figure 7:1-6 are exactly the same excepl for the sign post speed limils. It is therefore understood that the road markings in reality mould be different lo those illustrated in relation lo the speed limits.

Coaches And Public Services Buses Cont'd Figure 8 Illustrates a combination of road markings, cats eyes and speed limit sign post.

Figure 8:1 Illustrates the same combination of road markings as In figure 8 except the speed limit sign posts Illustrate the different maximum limps. This demonstratIon Is in colour to project the Idea of the invention. All colours are suggested and not specific.

Figure 9 Shows a motor vehicle from the observers point of view using the speed awareness lights in conjunction with the road using the colour code system. This illustration also includes a colour version for demonstration. In this case, 50 miles per hour = Light Blue.

Figure 10 This example demonstrales a road syslem from an aerial point of view. Although In this particular instance only four colours are represented. II illustrates the point of the invention whereby the vehicles using the speed awareness lights are traveling along a complex of roads simplifled by their speed colour code system. In this particular drawing there is a black ad white copy plus a coloured version.

The four colours demonstrated are as follows: Pink = 20 miles per hour Green = 30 miles per hour Yellow = 40 miles per hour Light Blue = 50 miles per hour All colours are suggestlons and are not specific.

Figure 1û:1 Shows aerial view of a road junction using speed colour code system. Colour drawing included.

Figure 10:2 Shows a rnolorway and sliproad using the colour code system. Colour drawing included.

Figure 10:3 Shows a traffic island using the colour code system. Coloured drawing included.

Figure 10:4 Shows a suburban road ad school area using Ilie colour code system. Coloured drawing Included.

Reference Refening lo the drawings, the speedometer wilh visual speed lights (figure 1) will light up in a colour pertaining to the speed in progress. In the same instance the external visual speed lights front and rear (figure 2, figure 2:1 & figure 2:2) will light up in precisely the same colour as the light being displayed in figure 1.

In conjunction with figure 1, 2, 2:1 or 2:2, the service monItor (figure 3) will display smell lights in exactly the same colours. Should any light (front or rear) In the extemal system malfunctIon, then the corresponding light in the service monitor (figure 3) will also malfunction showing exactly where the faun lies.

Tiie junction box figure 4 is simply a means of connecting the entire system together In order to work in uniformity. The junction box is chosen in this illustration for registration purposes although a modified system may be used.

The system illustrated in figure 5 consists of the speedometer illustrated in figure 1. the external lights figure 2, the service monitor figure 3 and the junction box figure 4.

Figure 6 illustrates a range of vehicles fitted with the speed awareness lights to the front and rear. Figure 6:1 illustiates a set of speed colour code lights fitted Inside the front of a coach or bus for passenger observation.

In figure 7 it shows an example of a vehicle incorporating the speed light system in the dashboard (from the drivers point of view). Driving along a road where the speed awareness colour code is in practice.

Figure 7:1-6 represents (In colour) examples of the system in practice from the drivers point of view. This shows how the maximum speed limit determines the colour of the road markings and the background colours of the speed limits sign posts in their owl areas. All colours are suggested end not specific.

Tl1e illustration in figure 8 shows a combination of a speed limit sign post, Ihe road markings ad also a set of cats eyes These are to be colour matched to whatever the determined speed limit Is The examples in figure 8:1 shows a multiple of the illustration in figure 8 except that ttie speed limitations are in place. It is appreciated that the road markings would not be all exactly the same in different speed zones. This drawing is also accompanied by a coloured copy for demonstration purposes only. Colours are suggested and not specinc.

Reference Cont'd This illustration in figure 9 shows an example of how both categories of this invention, i.e., the motor vehicle and the roed network, working in unison with each other in order to complete the system.

This illustration shows the system in full use from an observers point of view. This being the opposite view to figure 7. Figure 9 also includes a coloured version for demonstration.

Figure 10 represents an aerial view of a road network ( a simple hand drawing) using the speed awareness colour code system. This particular point of view demonstrales only four of the speed limits from out of the whole range. The coloured version of this drawing is simply to emphasize the point of the invention.

Figure 10:14 show aerial views of individual sections of road using the colour code system, i.e., figure 10:1 e road junction. Figure 10: a motorway and sliproad. Figure 10:3 e traffic island. Figure 10:4 a suburban road and school area.

Note Wherever the initials SAL are seen 'itl0in certain drawings. it is simply an abbreviation in the way of subslitute meaning "Speed Awareness Lights" which of course pertains to the vehicle. it is not tliereforethe title of lie invention. The title of the invention in its abbreviated rorni is S.A.C.C.S which means:- SPEED AWARENESS COLOUR CODE SYSTEM! SPEEDMASTER EARLY WARNING COLOUR SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM TECHNICAL This invention relates to an early warning system by means of colour coded speed control specifically for use on the national motorway.A coloured light is observable over a very great distance with it's meaning being more readily understood at a much earlier stage than white digital numbers. White digital numbers only become legible at a close proximity.

BACKGROUND Although warning or instructive signs relating to speed or foggy conditions already exist on the motorway system these are usually restricted or limiting in their effectiveness since the problems have often been encountered by the time data has been observed and thereby acted upon. Therefore, the existing instructive system on the motorway does not efficiently assist the motorist enough in the avoidance of possible accumulating traffic congestion, fog or accidents as well as it should do.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL FEATURES According to the present invention there is provided a series of electronic components or units which are attached to the motorway central barrier or other such central structure which contains sensors for receiving electronic or infra red signals. These components also contain a number of lenses with each one producing a different coloured light when required by the central traffic control. Each different coloured light when operated represents a different maximum speed when it is deemed necessary.

There is also a lens which represents a fog warning and another one to represent accidents.

Each of these signalling units are attached at equal regular intervals along the motorways and also to the overhead gantries wherever these may be. These signals may be produced as far along the motorway as required which provides the motorist with the earliest possible warning. These signals will be extremely observable and easily understood (particularly at night) not only at an early stage but continuously to serve as a guide or reminder to the motorist until the hazard has been met with or possibly avoided.

There is also as part of the Early Warning Colour Speed Control System an electronically operated sign post mounted on the grass verge or pavement at the side of a normal 'A' road prior to the motorway This signpost will be mounted possibly at a specified distance which shall permit the motorist the option ofjoining the motorway or continuing the journey on the normal 'A' road or other route.

These sign posts contain the same number of lenses displaying precisely the same signals as the components fitted to the motorway network. There is also contained in the sign post an LCD display screen which provides the 'A' road motorist with the added earls warning data in 'lit up' words.

Also as an added early warning data serf lice is a sign board fitted to the wall inside the motorway serf lice area which again contains the same lenses and LCD display screen as those used on the A road sign posts This would allow the motorist to leave the motorway at the appropmate exit should the! deem it necessar! These systems would be observed and controlled by the motorxva- traffic control centre.The control centre may also be assisted through close co-operation with the motorway traftic po@cy with instructions to use the 'on-site' hand set control unit issued to each of the traffic pollc! xchlcles ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL FEATURES CONT'D Alternatively, the traffic control centre may wish to use a modified version of existing motorway traffic cameras, to provide a program of signals to the colour coded speed units fitted to the central barriers or other central structures.

The colour coded speed control units fitted to the central barrier may be programmed to produce a coloured light over a given distance, i.e., light blue which equals a maximum speed of 50 mph over three miles, or the colour code units may also be programmed to light up a different colour lens for say a further 4 miles in yellow which would perhaps equal 40 mph or for whichever colour to speed ratio is required at any one time.

This would give the traffic control centre a much better controlled flow of traffic over any distance they wish should the need arise.

EXAMPLE A specific embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 Illustrates the Early Warning Colour Speed Control System, consisting of 8 lenses, 1 signal receiving window, and built-in signal receiving sensors (not illustrated). Also cable attachments for electric power cables fastened to a section of central barrier rail or other construction. Size of unit not to scale.

Fig; 2 Illustrates a series of Earl! Warning Colour Speed Control System attached to a section of barrier rail Each one contains the same facilities as that in figure 1. Unit sizes and distances not to scale Fio 3 Illustrates a police patrol 'handset' control unit consisting of a series of program buttons. a visible display screen. infra red signal sensors (not illustrated) and powered by the police vehicle's own electrical system The unit does not carry' a portable battery for securit! purposes li is operable only' when the operation code is received from the traffic control centre. the code being changed daily again for security' EXAMPLE CONT'D Fig 4 Illustrates an early warning motorway traffic camera which is modified to provide programmed infra red signals to the colour speed control units attached to the central barrier or other central structure. These signals are operated by the traffic control centre.

Fig 5 Illustrates an electronic data sign post at the side of an 'A' road relating the distance and conditions of the nearest motorway. The sign post also contains eight colour code lenses which give off early warning signals for speed, fog or accidents to the 'A' road motorist intending to use the motorway ahead. There is also an LCD display screen so that the colour code may be confirmed in digital words.

Fie 6 Illustrates the same sign post as that in figure 5 except that it is placed just before the entrance to a motroway This sign post allows the motorist to see whether conditions on the motorway are still the same or if they have changed since the early warning data was first observed. This affords the motorist the opportunity of either joining the motorway if favourable or continuing the journey by 'A' road if it is not.

Fig 7 Illustrates an electronic sign post on the 'A' road just In the same way as figure 5 and figure 6 except that in this case the sign post bears the data for a selection of motonvay's whenever a multiplicity orjunctions are going to be encountered.

This also alloys the motor@st on the 'A' road the choice owl using another motorway entranc (with a view to leaving at the appropnate exit@ or continuing by 'A' road EXAMPLE CONT'D Fie 8 Illustrates the possibility and advantages of using an early warning or advanced data board within the motorway dining and service areas. This also the motorway driver the advantage of choice by either continuing the joumey along the displayed part of the motorway or leaving at an appropriate exit and rejoining at a later entrance, or perhaps continuing the journey by 'A' road.

The other choice is to remain where they are and proceed when the motorway restrictions are lifted. Either way, it helps to reduce motorway congestion.

Fig 9 This illustration shows part of a traffic control centre where the operator is observing various sections of the motorway via the traffic cameras. This not only allows observation of traffic conditions on the screen but also to confirm that required parts of the motorway early warning colour speed lights are in place as programmed.

COMPONENT PARTS FiD 1:1-6 Illustrates six lenses which in their turn as and when required will display a light equal to the maximum speed required, i.e., the first lens (at the top) will display a purple light denoting that the motorway is clear and unrestricted which means the national speed limit may then apply. The second lens will display an orange light which will equal a maximum speed of 60 mph. The third lens will display a light blue signal which will equal a maximum speed of 50 mph. The fourth lens will display a yellow light which equals 40 mph. The fifth lens will display a green light which will equal 30 mph and the sixth lens will display' a pink light which will equal 20 mph.The same combination would apply' on overhead gantries where the 'colour' would be observable at a much greater distance than the normal present 'white light' display in digital numbers.

Fig 1:7 Illustrates a square lens which will illuminate In the normal amber light (in a pulsating mode) signifying the presence of fog along the motorway. thereby giving the motorist an early warning The tog warning light may also be accompanied by another light signif\'ing a relatively lox maximum speed.

COMPONENT PARTS CONT'D Fig 1:8 Illustrates a square lens which will illuminate a red light signifying the present of an accident further along the motorway. This may be accompanied by another coloured light, i.e., as an example green to represent a very low maximum speed. Should the red light pulsate, this would indicate to the motorists that they should leave the motorway at the next exit.

This would allow a lot of the traffic to by-pass the accident altogether and joining the motorway further along. All the lenses being made of white glass or plastic may also serve as reflectors at night. All coloured lights are suggested in the combination of meanings or significance and are not intended to be specific. Other combinations may suffice. All lights may be illuminated via electric bulbs and powered by electricity or infra red signalling, but possible by the use of optic fibres. There is also the consideration of signalling from satellites in due course.

Fig 1:9 Illustrates the window through which the infra red program signals will be received should this system of signalling be used.

Fix 2 Illustrates the same component parts as figure 1, i.e., the lenses for the colour coded speed control lights, the fog warning light, the accident warning light, and the signal receiving window.

Fig 3:1-6 Illustrates a series of sic program buttons signifying the maximum speed colour coded lights Fio 3:7 Illustrates the 'fog' warning button Fix 3:8 llluslrates the 'accident warning button.

COMPONENT PARTS CONT1D Fie 3:9 Illustrates the signal output window.

Fig 3:10 Illustrates a series often display numbers for programming the distance required in the number of units as figure 1 and figure 2 or in a number of miles.

Fig 3:11 Illustrates a series often buttons for inserting the distance program as in figure 3:10.

Five 3:12 Illustrates two directional signal program buttons for use at the 'on-site' point of programming. This permits the user to illuminate the lenses as in figure 1 and figure4 both further along the motorway and further back at the same time.

Fie 3:13 Illustrates the program button which is used when additional colour coded speed control lights are required without having to reprogram the entire original program all over again.

Fir 3:14 Illustrates the program button which is used when a reduction of colour coded speed control lights is required without ha\ing to reprogram the entire original program all over again.

Fig 3:15 Illustrates the program button required when it's necessary or appropriate to pulsate a light, i.e. fog warning or accident warning lights.

COMPONENT PARTS CONT'D Fig 3:16 Illustrates the two program buttons used when the program is complete. One button puts the program into operation whilst the other is used to cancel it.

Fig 3:17 Illustrates the program display screen which visibly confirms the selected program in a digital read-out.

Fig 4 Illustrates an early warning traffic camera modified with infra red signalling sensors as an alternative method of programming the Early Warning Colour Speed Control Lights as in figure 1 and figure 2.

Fix 5 Illustrates an electronic early warning sign post for the benefit of 'A' road drivers which contains six colour coded speed lenses, a fog warning lens, and also a lens for accident warning. There is also an LCD display screen for conformation purposes.

Five 6 Illustrates an identical electronic sign post as in figure 5 but is erected near the entrance to the motorway as a last chance data board for 'A' road motorists.

Fig 7 Illustrates an identical electronic sign post as In figure 5 and figure 6 but is fitted with colour code lenses and display screens for more than one motorway. Each motonvay identity number having It's on information panel.

COMPONENT PARTS CONT'D Fie 8 Illustrates the inside of a dining room at a motorway service area which has an advanced data display board mounted on the wall. This again permits the motorist (where possible) to have the option of staying on or leaving the motorway.

Fix 9 Illustrates a section of a traffic control centre where an operator is observing and programming the Early Warning Colour Speed Control Units on the motorway central structures.

The traffic control centre contains a series of display screens for observing the flow of motorway traffic and also computer key board for programming.

Claims (1)

1. Claims

   ONE A speed awareness colour code system using a speed awareness light speedometer which displays a different colour wen the speed is Increased or decreased.

   TWO A speed awareness colour code system as claimed In claim 1 where speed awareness lights are fitted to the outside of a vehicle (front and rear) which changes colour as the road speed increases or decreases. All outside lenses to be in an opaque on none dazzle finish.

   THREE A speed awareness colour code system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which incorporates a service monitor to detect any would be tnelfunctlon in the speed awareness light systern.

   FOUR A speed awareness colour code system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 which includes a junction box for the purpose of allowing the system lo function simultaneously. The system may elther use bulbs, fber optics or e liquId crystal method.

   FIVE A speed awareness colour code system as claimed in claim 4 using the national road network whereby the maximum speed limitation sign posts, the road markings and cats eyes are colour coded in the appropriate colours to comply with the maximum speed each in its own area. I.e,

   30 miles per hour = Green

   40 miles per hour = Yellow

   50 miles per hour = Blue At this stage colours are suggested and not specified.

   SIX A speed awareness colour code system as claimed in any preceding claim where all road colour code markings, speed limit sign posts end cats eyes are of a colour coded reflective or florescent nature in order lo contribute to greater night time observation and therefore safety.

   SEVEN A speed awareness colour code system as claimed in claim 6 consisting of two categories, I.e., private and public motor vehicles including motorcycles and also the national road network system. The national road markings may remain exactly es they presently are giving off their normal message lo road users except that they are coloured in the appropriate colours. Therefore giving off that constant and centre all Important awareness Information of maximum speed. I.e., excessive speed maIms end kills! EIGHT A speed awareness colour code system as substantially described herein with reference 10 figures 1-10:14 of the accompanying drawings.

   9 An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System consisting of a unit bearing eight lenses, six for colour speed control, one for fog warning and one for accident warning. Also an infra reff signal receiving window with built-in sensors for operational programming. The lenses may be illuminated using electric power or by means of infra red signals. There is also the alternative of optic fibres of possibly for future reference the option of using satellite signalling for national motorway traffic control. The unit itself is mounted to the central barrier or other central structure. The white lenses may also serve as white reflectors at night doubling as an extra safety system without further cost.

   10 An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System as claimed in claim

   which uses a handset program unit consisting ol a senes ol buttons tor programming colour, speea, distance and direction. Also for the purpose of fog and accident warning. There is also a visible display' screen for program confirmation.

   I j An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System as claimed in claim 9 or claimed whereby a modified traffic camera with built-in program sensors may provide infra red signals to the colour speed control unit as in claim 1.

   II,

   12 An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System as claimed in claim 10 or claim # which uses an electronic 'A' road early warning sign post in advance of the motorway and also at the motorway service areas.

   13 An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System as claimed in claim 12 which is controlled and observed by the traffic control centre which houses screen monitors and computers. The computers being used to program the system.

   14 An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System as claimed in an@

   of c83imS 9-13 fs illcll provides advanced data for motorists whom are using or intend to use the mo@orway This effectively @@@@ to create a bettet flow of traffic and thereby reduct @ the @@@ of bad accidents particular@@ in the fog

   15 An Early Warning Colour Speed Control System substant@ally as de@enbed herein with reference to t@@gures @@@ of the accompanving drawings