Transport for London (TfL) is to work with the private sector on uncovering new ways of tackling disruption caused by roadworks for construction and utilities work.

The innovation challenge seeks solutions to make roads more efficient by reducing delays caused by the signals and make them more reliable

It’s launched a major new RoadLab 2.0 innovation challenge, seeking up to eight innovators to find new ways of making roads safer and more efficient.

RoadLab 2.0 will build on the success of the original RoadLab challenge, this time focusing on improving portable traffic signals to reduce congestion and looking at ways in which TfL can better use data on walking and cycling in London to plan roadworks.

Portable traffic signals are used for temporary traffic management on roads – but can cause further delays if not set up correctly. More than 20,000 portable signals are used every year in London, causing thousands of hours of lost productivity, wasted time and excess carbon emissions and pollution.

The new innovation challenge will seek solutions to make roads more efficient by reducing delays caused by the signals and make them more reliable.

The programme is being funded by TfL’s Lane Rental Scheme, which charges utility companies and TfL contractors for digging up roads at the most traffic-sensitive times and locations.

The deadline for applying is midday on Friday 23 December 2022. Innovators chosen to take part in the programme will receive up to £20,000 of funding to enter a 12-week trial phase, with access to TfL expertise to help them develop their products for London’s roads. Effective solutions could then score further funding.

Solutions unearthed in the first RoadLab challenge are already being used by TfL to cut congestion, including simulation technology to model roadworks and artificial intelligence software that uses anonymised social media data to detect emerging disruptions.

Further details on RoadLab 2.0 are available on the TfL website.