Anybody noticed this? Over the last week new style plastic SOS boxes have appeared. First there was one which I presumed was just a replacement for one that had been clatted over up near junc 12, now theyre popping up all over the place.

Theyre not putting them in in order though. I presume they must get delivered at random with a number and they must have to replace the existing orange unit with the corresponding number which has been delivered.

I presume theyll eventually replace the whole stretch. Is this some new EU directive where eventually all orange boxes will get replaced on all motorways?Are they more environmentally friendly or something? Or do they just tie in with the infrastructure upgrade they done on this stretch about 3 years ago?

They do look very nice though!

Mind you not as interesting as the original SOS box. I can just about remember the originals with the huge blue hoods!

I've noticed these being put up elsewhere on the M5 - the first one I noticed being in the middle of the J27 roundabout (visible from the bridge as you drive round).

We've just had the ones on the M3 and M27 replaced. The placing of them may appear random, but that's not the case. Some need bases cast on site, some are in precast bases, others may be missed out initially because other works are in the vicinity. They all come minus there I.D numbers, these are added once they are on site

We've had the new style boxes down here for a year or more now, surprised they are only just arriving in other areas!

New ones here in Ireland all have solar panels and antenna for some kind of wireless link (microwave?) Are these new ones in the UK similar?

The new ones meet disability regulations, and have been around for quite a few years now.

I remember when the M27 communications upgrade was happening. They replaced the 1970s SOS phones with identical 1970s style SOS phones, and I asked the HA why they didn't install the new generation phones, which we now have. They said the manufacturer had gone bust. I found that most interesting, because I saw other motorways and major dual carriageways receive them at the time. Cough, blatant lie, they probably ran out of money for the more expensive new generation phones.

That was back in 2004, so the new generation phones are older than that.

Typical HA. Replaceing two sets of phones with two years. Another reason why taxes are so high.

Work is currently underway replacing the M23 ones too it seems.