The hi-tech flashing...

The hi-tech flashing cones and a new fleet of convoy trucks to escort drivers into M-way roadworks are being introduced in a Government-backed initiative.

Four workers have died and five have been seriously injured while working on England"s M-ways and major A-roads so far this year. The flashing cones - authorised by the Department for Transport last week - are designed to work together by synchronising their flashes, with the lights leading the way into new lane layouts through the roadworks.

The cones and convoys feature in a new Highways Agency Traffic Signs Manual, which has been passed to the road industry for consultation.

The guiding cones have been used successfully in Europe, especially Germany and Austria, where additional signs showing progressively happier faces as drivers pass through road improvements have also been trialled.

Ginny Clarke, chief highways engineer, said: "Roads can be a hazardous place. We want to do everything we can to reduce the risk to workers and make closures less stressful for drivers."

The plans were welcomed by the AA. Paul Watters, head of roads and transport policy, explained: "Easing progress through roadworks and telling motorists when they will be clear will put them in a better frame of mind, so they"re less likely to do something dangerous." Consultation on the new Traffic Signs Manual ends on 31 December.