Uxbridge College students were selected to take part in a special project sponsored by Transport for London (TfL) and Siemens and organised by Entrepeneurs in Action.

The students had just one week to develop innovative ways to keep drivers updated about traffic conditions.

The group of business and engineering students produced costed proposals designed to assist motorists and boost TfL’s departmental budget.

Their brief challenged them to make new uses of the distinctive illuminated roadside boards which display traffic updates, the ‘variable message signs’ (VMS). They also looked at other ways to keep drivers informed in a financially sustainable way.

Their ideas included VMS advertising, displaying traffic information on electronic signs in bus back windows, and developing a dedicated mobile app for London drivers.

They spent a week developing and costing their ideas as part of TfL’s Classroom to Boardroom initiative, with the support of the business coaches from Entrepreneurs in Action. They then presented their completed proposals to a panel of representatives from TfL, Siemens and Monson Group.

Lorraine Collins, Executive Director – Enterprise and Development, at Uxbridge College, said: “This work with TfL, Siemens and the Monson Group builds on Uxbridge College’s excellent links with business and really has given our students a unique opportunity.

“Coming up with ideas which not only benefit members of the public but are practical and sustainable in business terms is a big challenge for anyone, but our students have done some excellent work.

“Working with a real business brief and presenting to a professional panel has helped the participants continue to develop the sort of skills they need to thrive and compete in the real world.”