The images could be straight out of sci-fi reboot Tron – but these glowing roads are far from fictional.

The painted lines have just gone on trial in the Netherlands on a 500-metre stretch of motorway in the city of Oss, replacing traditional streetlights.

The “glow in the dark” roads harvest solar power during the day so they can glow for up to ten hours at night.

They are treated with a special foto-luminising powder which makes extra lighting unnecessary, according to designer Daan Roosegaarde.

He has said the goal is to make roads which are more sustainable and interactive by using light, energy and road signs which automatically adapt to the traffic situation.

The “dynamic paint” should also make also ice-crystals visible on the surface of the road when it’s cold and slippery.

The idea bagged the gong for Best Future Concept at the Dutch Design Awards 2012.