Sutton and Kingston Councils have announced plans for a project to use internet of things (IoT) technology to provide data on different transport modes and movement patterns.
They are planning to work with transport AI company Vivacity Labs under the InnOvaTe project to promote the use of IoT technology among the South London Partnership of local authorities.
It will involve a pilot study to monitor the impact of road and pavement changes in high footfall areas, aimed at improving ‘active travel’ routes – essentially for walking and cycling – and giving people more space to avoid infection from Covid-19.
The councils said the project data will help them to understand more about travel behaviours and patterns and improve the impact of any changes.
If the pilot is successful there will be an option to expand the scheme further across Sutton and Kingston and into the neighbouring boroughs of Merton, Croydon and Richmond.
Changing habits
Steve O’Connor, assistant director of digital and IT at Sutton and Kingston Councils, said: “We appreciate how daily habits have significantly changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and there has never been a more important time for councils to have a clear understanding of the environment and health of their communities.”
Mark Nicholson, chief executive officer of Vivacity Labs, said: “The pandemic has seen a significant shift in travel trends, and it has brought about changes to road and pavement space in order to accommodate for active travel and help people to keep their distance.
“Data insights provide the ability to both analyse where to implement changes and evaluate the effectiveness of these schemes.”
InnOvaTe is funded by the Strategic Investment Pot (SIP) as part of the London Councils Business Rates Retention scheme.
Earlier this month Sutton announced a trial with Richmond Council to use in-home IoT sensors to improve the safety of vulnerable residents in social housing.
Main image from Vivacity Labs
