Transport for London (TfL) and Siemens Mobility have launched a new adaptive traffic control solution for the city.
Named Sitraffic FUSION, it will provide a part of London’s real time optimiser (RTO) system, and use more data sources – such as from connected vehicles and buses – than the current SCOOT system that uses data from inductive loops buried in roads.
This is aimed at optimising signals at junctions to minimise vehicle delays and stops.
FUSION is set to enter operation over the next few weeks, controlling a number of ‘living laboratory’ trial sites around London. This will enable Siemens to test its functionality and performance at traffic intersections.
Glynn Barton, TfL’s director of network management, said: “We're working to overhaul the way we manage London's road network as we tackle some of the biggest issues London faces, such as poor air quality and congestion, ensuring that the capital has a green, healthy and sustainable future.
“This ground breaking new adaptive control system, part of our Surface Intelligent Transport Systems programme, has the potential to make our road network more efficient and responsive to people’s needs and movement. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the results of our first trial sites.”
First manifestation
Wilke Reints, Siemen’s managing director for intelligent traffic systems, said: “Whilst London is using our hosted UTC solution for the first time to provide FUSION with connectivity to the street, the system is designed to work with a range of UTC (urban traffic control) systems. Although this is just the first manifestation of the new system, we are enormously excited by its potential and the degree of control that it will give transport authorities.”
The move is a significant step in a 10-year programme that began when TfL signed Siemens in 2018 to develop a next generation traffic control and highways management system. The first phase was the delivery of the RTO, with FUSION providing the second phase.
Image from Siemens Mobility
