Spain rolls out ‘connected cones’ – a tech upgrade for road safety
A new generation of traffic cones, dubbed ‘connected cones,’ is being deployed across Spanish highways, promising a significant boost to road worker safety and driver awareness.
Smart signals: how the tech works
The initiative, spearheaded by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), moves beyond the mandatory V16 balises to utilize Internet of Things (IoT) devices that precisely pinpoint the location of ongoing roadworks. These cones, physically identical to their traditional counterparts, communicate real-time data – including the start and end points of projects – directly to the DGT’s national traffic information platform.
What’s the Benefit? This system aims to dramatically reduce the risk to workers, who have faced a concerning 142 accidents in the last year, linked to maintenance activities, with 23 involving personnel directly on the roadway. The DGT reports a worrying trend: eight out of ten drivers routinely exceed speed limits in these zones – a key factor in many of these incidents.
Beyond the balise: enhanced driver alerts
But the ‘connected cones’ offer more than just location data. They’re equipped to proactively warn approaching drivers of the hazard through variable message signs and, increasingly, through connected vehicle systems. This means drivers could receive alerts via in-car navigation systems, mirroring the functionality of apps like Waze or Google Maps.
Key Features: The cones boast rigorous specifications, including 360-degree yellow illumination, IP65 dust and water resistance, and GPS/Galileo/EGNOS positioning – achieving an accuracy of less than 2.5 meters. They’re designed for a minimum operational lifespan of 15 hours, combining lighting and connectivity. Crucially, the DGT emphasizes that not every cone within a work zone needs to be connected; a single cone at each entry and exit point is sufficient, supplemented by traditional signage.
Manufacturer competition
The rollout is already underway, with API Movilidad and Netun Solutions – the companies behind the original V16 balise – leading the charge. Both firms have successfully navigated stringent testing by the DGT and accredited laboratories, demonstrating the cones' connectivity and technical robustness. The DGT’s commitment extends beyond the 2026 deadline for the mandatory V16 balises, signaling a broader shift towards intelligent traffic management.
Pere Navarro’s Vision: “We’re moving beyond the balise,” DGT President Pere Navarro stated, “to implement ‘connected cones’ – a proactive measure to safeguard road workers and improve driver safety.”