An integrated smart transportation system is one of the main concepts of smart city planning. One could argue that a city needs a sophisticated traffic control system. Using linked technology, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), also known as smart traffic management systems, offer an orderly, integrated method of reducing traffic and enhancing safety on city streets.
Elements of an Intelligent Traffic Management System
A crossroads with a lot of traffic could once be controlled with just the swing of a traffic safety baton. But we need smarter systems because there are more cars on the road. To efficiently coordinate traffic across metropolitan thoroughfares, a modern Traffic Management System (TMS) is a context-aware solution that depends on real-time data from linked road infrastructure and predictive analytics. Such traffic control software is the foundation for deploying an intelligent transport management system combined with wireless urban networking.
A set of user-facing tools and operational controls for efficiently coordinating the movement of people and products across many modalities is known as an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). ITS traffic systems are especially focused on using adaptive controls and analytics to increase the speed and safety of urban roads. However, as the past 50+ years of focused effort have shown, controlling traffic congestion is difficult. Urban transportation planning is challenging due to numerous familiar and unpredictable aspects, such as city layouts and unforeseen protests.
The idea behind intelligent traffic systems was to give traffic managers predictive and real-time information regarding traffic incidents and flow rates. In actuality, though, a city’s capacity to overlay a virtual management layer on top of its physical traffic infrastructure will determine how well these projects perform.
The Technology Behind Intelligent Traffic Systems
Municipalities can now include smart traffic control systems in their signal cabinets and junctions to increase safety and traffic flow on city streets. Efficient and effective smart traffic management systems use next-generation technology and software to optimize traffic infrastructure.
Smart Traffic Sensors
Intelligent transportation management systems use data from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors as a foundation to generate insights that can be implemented. Integrated sensors are used by Intelligent Traffic Management Systems, such as:
- RFID tags
- AIDC tags, or automatic identification and data collection
- Sensors for temperature
- Sensors for air quality
Include cloud computing and edge processing in the system due to the volume of data generated by ITS.
Connected Video Monitoring
A primary technological feature of intelligent traffic control systems is edge processing and video detection integration. In the context of traffic safety, connected video surveillance systems are called Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMs). With HD video, image detection, and image recognition, a TIM enables city planners to react to accidents and provide real-time insights into traffic conditions.
Connected Traffic Light Systems
Smart traffic light systems incorporate the sensor above with connected video monitoring technologies, allowing them to account for pedestrian traffic, vehicle speed, and junction wait times, unlike conventional traffic signals. To facilitate the use of computer vision, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and reinforcement learning, intelligent traffic light systems integrate Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.
Top 5 Benefits of Smart Traffic Management Systems
Without a smart transportation system, Smart Cities aren’t completely intelligent. Furthermore, many ITS advantages go beyond improving municipal infrastructure on roads. The top 5 advantages of intelligent traffic control systems are shown below.
1. Predictive Insights
Predictive insights are among the main advantages of smart traffic management systems. Smart traffic sensors can examine data to help governing bodies determine the frequency of roadway usage, the daily number of vehicles at particular crossings, and other urban data. In the end, ITS can offer vital proactive roadside information.
2. Enhanced Safety
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimates that in 2021, motorists struck and killed 7,485 pedestrians. The integrated sensor technology from ITS is a cutting-edge, life-saving innovation. In Portland, Oregon, researchers are already testing sophisticated traffic control technologies.
TriMet’s fleet outfits the buses with infrared meters, and these meters interact with traffic signal receivers to precisely time stops. These meters allow for faster mobility and provide a safe means of transportation.
3. Cost Reduction
According to the National Highway and Road Safety Administration, in 2019, road accidents cost the US $340 billion. Systems for intelligent traffic control make travel safe. Due to their innate sophisticated safety features, intelligent traffic systems aid in reducing and mitigating traffic crashes, fatalities, injuries, and property damage.
4. Improved Emergency Response
Route optimization is the brains behind all intelligent traffic management systems. When roads offer optimal traffic conditions, cities better equip themselves to handle emergencies. Reduced traffic means faster emergency vehicle response times. In a major public emergency (tornado, earthquake, flood, etc.), real-time insights enable better planning, flexibility, and action in smart traffic management systems.
5. Minimized Emissions
Smart traffic management systems organically optimize routes, ridesharing options, and parking solutions, incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly technology. According to Juniper Research, by 2027, maintaining smart traffic management systems may save CO2 emissions by 205 million metric tons. Finding clever solutions can significantly lower our carbon footprint.
Developing Your Smart Traffic Management System Solution
As a developer, are you considering the next clever traffic solution? Symmetry Electronics offers a wide range of linked solutions and industry-leading sensors. Our application engineers, specialists in wireless, IoT, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is here to assist you in developing smart traffic systems that work. You can get free consultations at any point along the design cycle.
Understanding Traffic Patterns
One of the key aspects of an ITMS is its ability to analyze and comprehend intricate Traffic Patterns. The system can gather real-time data on vehicular movement, congestion points, and peak traffic hours by deploying IoT-enabled sensors and cameras across the city. This wealth of information empowers urban planners to make data-driven decisions, strategically managing traffic flow to alleviate bottlenecks and enhance overall efficiency.
IoT in Traffic Trends Analysis
Urban planners intricately monitor and analyze Traffic Trends, a crucial component of urban planning, by integrating Smart IoT Technologies within an ITMS. The system continuously collects and processes data to identify emerging patterns, such as the impact of special events or changes in commuting habits. By understanding these trends, city officials can implement proactive measures to address potential issues, ensuring a more adaptive and responsive urban traffic infrastructure.
Optimizing Vehicle Technology with IoT
The advancement of Vehicle Technology is seamlessly intertwined with the capabilities of an IoT-driven Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). Connected vehicles equipped with IoT devices contribute to a dynamic ecosystem where real-time communication between vehicles and the traffic management system becomes possible. This connectivity facilitates the dissemination of information regarding traffic conditions, road closures, and alternative routes, ultimately promoting a smoother and safer driving experience. Among the cutting-edge solutions in this domain is the Cisco IoT Solutions for Connected Roadways and Intersections, adding another layer of sophistication to the evolving landscape of intelligent transportation systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Role of an Intelligent Traffic Management System in modern cities, within the framework of the IoT concept, is transformative. An IoT-driven ITMS contributes to the creation of smarter, more responsive urban environments by constantly analyzing traffic patterns, monitoring emerging trends, and embracing evolving vehicle technologies. As cities continue to grow, the integration of ITMS remains a cornerstone for ensuring sustainable and efficient urban mobility.
