Philips envisages similar applications, perhaps using glowing plants to illuminate road verges or as warning strips on flights of stairs.

CNN: Glowing bacteria could power 'bio-light'

Options to look for include adaptive cruise control that can automatically maintain a set speed and interval on the highway, and high-intensity Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination that can help illuminate the road at night through curves.

FORBES: Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

High-intensity headlamps can help better illuminate a dark road.

FORBES: Best New-Cars (And Features) For Senior Drivers

The researchers suggest that the set-up would also save on electricity costs since it should require between 10 and 50% less power to illuminate a section of road than current LED streetlamps.

BBC: LED streetlamp aims to improve public's view of stars

Homeowner Mahmood Ali, who wants to illuminate the sign, says the symbols are a blessing on his house in Chepstow Road.

BBC: Islamic sign deemed 'obtrusive advert' by Newport council