Signs with smiley faces that get happier as you near the end of roadworks could be used in Oxfordshire as the county council seeks new ways to de-stress motorists.

The initiative, which is already used on the continent, is one of a number of measures the AA is urging the Highways Agency to take on board.

David Robertson, deputy leader of the county council and cabinet member for transport, said: "The smiley faces sound a good idea.

"We are always looking at measures which are being used in other countries, but motorists should also be aware of the measures already being implemented in Oxfordshire.

"For the past 18 months, we have been trying out several ways of keeping motorists better informed of roadworks and traffic and also of easing the pressure on busy roads.

"For example, human 'spotters' have been used in Thames Street in Oxford to keep an eye on the scale of traffic and use radio controllers to keep lights on green for longer to ease the traffic flow.

"We have also developed manually-controlled traffic lights that can be altered to let traffic into the city quicker in the mornings and out in the evenings.

"And on several main routes in the county, road signs are being put up that announce upcoming dual carriageways. These let people know that even though they may be in a line of traffic, a chance to overtake is coming up."

Mr Robertson also revealed ambitious plans for 'real-time' signage in the city, like those currently used in large cities such as London and Birmingham.

"These signs can give motorists up-to-the-minute news on where traffic is and where roadworks are," he said.

Mr Robertson suggested a sign at the Abingdon Road roadworks in Oxford, telling drivers: 'This road is worn out and we are repairing it for you'.

He added: "I think it's important to let drivers know we are not doing the work to spite them.

"They may get stressed by roadworks, but they would get a lot more stressed if the roads fell into terrible disrepair."

Nigel Humphries, of the Association of British Drivers, said: "I like the idea of the smiley faces. They are harmless. I think people like to be informed as much as possible about the reasons for road works.

"Signage, if used properly, is a great tool in improving road safety.

"But the information they give has to be truthful and necessary, not propaganda, and I think that a lot of Oxfordshire people are very sceptical about the need for a lot of the roadworks because they feel they are being done for the buses, rather than motorists."