The board can relay messages within seconds

The high-tech answer to road safety is being used on the A537 "Cat and Fiddle" trans-Pennines road from Macclesfield to Buxton.

Text messages will be sent out by police to information boards on the road, to warn of dangerous conditions, far more quickly than previous manual systems.

The road is one of the highest in the UK, at about 450 metres, and is often affected by bad weather not experienced on nearby lower roads.

Pc Andy Atherton, of Cheshire Police, said: "The text message can be sent and it will be accepted by the sign within seconds.

The road's elevation makes it prone to snow

"Whereas previously we would have to travel there and it could take up to an hour to have the roads closed.

"Obviously the quicker we can have it closed, the safer it is for the public."

The Cat and Fiddle - used as a route to the Peak District National Park - has been named as the most dangerous in England by one transport survey.

Its elevated position can mean it can be covered by snow and ice, even when lower roads are clear.

The system is also to be used on other Pennine routes from Congleton to Buxton and Macclesfield to Whaley Bridge.