Solar power helps drivers see light

The signs warning of lights ahead are solar-powered

New solar-powered traffic signs are taking to the streets of Tyneside in a new environmental initiative.

The first signs have gone up in Heaton Road in the city, near St Theresa's church, and more are planned for the Central Motorway and the Coast Road.

The traffic signs, which warn motorists of traffic signals ahead, have a solar panel on the top to power-up a rechargeable battery.

The panel does not need direct sunlight to recharge the battery, and can cope easily through the darker days of winter.

Three benefits

When night falls, a photo electric cell switches on the 50 light-emitting diodes.

Newcastle City Council says there are three environmental benefits.

The signs do not need to be powered from a lighting column or the mains, and their installation is easier, with no need for a trench to be dug for a power supply.

And their life expectancy is 100,000 hours, compared to the 4,000 hours of a conventional lamp.