In Poland, three promising new initiatives are now being progressively scaled up across our A2 operations network. These frontline-led innovations are designed to increase driver awareness and reduce risk during planned roadworks and incident response.
Work zones are dynamic environments: conditions change quickly, traffic volumes fluctuate, and visibility can be challenging even in good weather. Over the past six months, new measures combining automation, improved visibility, and targeted driver communications have provided further protection to both road users and the people working closest to live traffic.
Automated warning sign & multilingual CB
The first innovation saves employees from stopping in an emergency lane and leaving the vehicle to manually erect warning boards. The crew can now deploy a remotely operated warning sign from the safety of their cab, even while the vehicle is moving. Once the sign is deployed, the system automatically broadcasts Citizens Band (CB) radio alerts to approaching vehicles on multiple CB channels. The messages are transmitted to CB users (primarily HGV drivers) in up to nine languages, using directional antennas to focus coverage roughly 300–500 metres upstream of the worksite or incident.
The unit runs autonomously, requires only a short briefing for crews, and is currently used daily to protect planned roadworks, mainly during the day and in heavy traffic. Expansion is planned for patrol vehicles responding to incidents, in all weather conditions, day and night. So far, the team has deployed 10 fixed sets on trailers and TMA vehicles, with a further 10 mobile units planned. Early feedback from frontline teams suggests some drivers change lanes earlier and approach more cautiously after hearing the alerts; formal impact measurement is planned.
CB is particularly relevant for this operational area because Polish and Eastern European HGV drivers are among the most active CB users in Europe, and in Poland, CB usage has traditionally even included passenger vehicles. CB radios continue to be a reliable communication tool, especially in areas with limited cellular coverage. HGV drivers use them to share updates on roads, fuel and weather. In recent years, CB's popularity has declined due to rising mobile phone usage and regulatory restrictions in some countries. However, a new generation of hybrid CB Bluetooth-paired units, or digital CB replacements, is now coming onstream, prompting some speculation that its popularity might increase again.
