Swindon Traffic Lights to Turn Red for Speeders

Between speed traps and traffic cameras, there’s been all kinds of efforts made to keep people from driving too fast on our roads. However, it seems Swindon Borough Council is about to try something new: Traffic lights that turn red when you’re speeding.

If you’re guilty of flooring it as soon as the green light turns amber, you’ll know how frustrating it is to have to stamp on the brakes when you don’t make it through the lights on time. It seems Swindon is set to have many more drivers slamming on the brakes as new lights will turn red when they detect speeding.

According to CNet, the Council is planning to upgrade its traffic lights to models that utilize a sensor in the road to measure how fast traffic is flowing. If the cars are moving too fast, the sensor will trigger a control unit that will turn the lights red, forcing everyone to stop. They’ll also employ licence plate recognition technology to ensure lights stay green for emergency vehicles.

The lights will be tested on two of Swindon’s 40mph roads this autumn. So prepare yourselves for an increased amount of cars beeping at other cars that appear to be going more than 40mph, and some serious road rage when the wally up front slows everyone down by being in too much of a hurry during the Monday morning school run.