Latest UK Tunnel Packed With Technology

Sunday, 12. June 2011

Image via Wikipedia

The new Hindhead tunnel in Surrey will open in July to the applause of drivers and local conservationists alike. But this isn’t just any old tunnel it is, as the Highways Agency call it, their ‘flagship scheme’. Not only will it remove traffic from the Devil’s Punchbowl beauty spot and make the journey from London to Portsmouth quicker it is crammed with modern technology. This longest tunnel in the UK that doesn’t run under a river allows you to continue your hands free conversation throughout. It also allows you to pick up a radio signal and bring you emergency messages throughout the trip through the 1.2 mile tunnel.

The emergency messages are called ‘leaky feed’ and are part of a safety package which includes a revolutionary new radar set up that can spot slowing vehicles, wild animals and even doors opening. The system will automatically slow traffic down by reducing the average speed cameras from 70mph to 40mph.

Well I hope the buggers tell us when they do it! So is the £370 million well spent and should we be doing more of this around the country? What do you think? By Graham Hill