Screen trial for motorway crashes

The safety screens are already used in Holland

Screens to block drivers' views of serious motorway accidents on the opposite carriageway are to be tested on the M1.

Temporary safety screens will protect sites of the most serious crashes from onlookers on the opposite carriageway.

The trial is due to start on the M1 in Bedfordshire in late summer.

The screens aim to stop drivers slowing down to see the accident, causing queues and increasing the risk of further accidents

The 1.5 metre (6ft) high screen is 200 metres (620ft) long - the minimum length considered necessary to screen an incident.

The screen, made of the same material as that used for the curtains on the sides of HGVs, has large ventilation holes with round or square flaps.

At least two trained staff are needed to put it up. Typically four people install it in 15 to 20 minutes.

The trial is due to run until the end of the year, but could be extended.