Traffic light technology

A new communication system that will allow traffic lights to ‘talk’ to motorists directly to guide the drivers, while giving certain vehicles priority at junctions, is being rolled out across Newcastle, UK.

The €10m project Compass4D, which is led by Newcastle University in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, Siemens and North East Ambulance Service, aims to improve safety.

Warning drivers about obstacles on the road, the new technology minimises congestion and pollution by helping motorists to drive properly and gives key road users such as NHS vehicles priority at lights, and helps drivers adjust their speed.

The system to be used in conjunction with the SatNav technology will link an in-vehicle communication system directly with the city’s urban traffic management control (UTMC) centre.

Newcastle University Transport professor Phil Blythe said: "Traffic management systems are already in place across the city to improve traffic flow but what’s unique about this trial is that we will be giving personalised information directly to the driver."

UTMC manager Ray King said: "This is about optimising the network.

"Improving the experience people have on board our vehicles is at the heart of what we do." 

"The aim of the pilot is to show it could work – that giving priority and personalised information to drivers can have a significant impact on how we drive and the conditions on our roads. This is just the first step."

During the initial wave of the pilot, 20 traffic signals have been equipped with the technology on key junctions around the city centre.

NEAS chief operating officer Paul Liversidge said: "As the region’s only public sector ambulance service, improving the experience people have on board our vehicles is at the heart of what we do.

"Trialling technology like this in a real setting gives a more valuable understanding of how it could add more value to ambulance services throughout the UK."

Co-ordinated by the European Road Transport Telematics Implementation Coordination Organisation (ERTICO), Compass4D project involves seven European cities and other key partners Siemens and Volvo.

Image: The technology warns drivers about obstacles on the road and aims to improve safety. Photo: courtesy of digitalart via FreeDigitalPhotos.net.