Using Data to Upgrade Traffic Signals

March saw the second in a series of webinars from TRL Software, specifically on the work undertaken as part of the Department for Transport Opening Local Authority Data competition. For this, working in conjunction with Transport for Greater Manchester, TRL Software have implemented UTC powered by SCOOT^® 7 combined with our open data API.

Local authority transportation data has started to open.

When we talk about the future of traffic control, mobility and the urban landscape, we believe that open is key. Open access to data and a move towards a hardware vendor agnostic, not vendor lock in approach.

DfT Funding Announcement

With the announcement of the Highway Maintenance £15m allocation for English local authorities outside of London, to address the backlog in traffic signals maintenance and to start to prepare technology used on local roads for the challenges of connected vehicles, new mobility and opening up data and the coming challenge of automated vehicles, there has never been a better time to join the conversation.

The Transport Technology Forum (TTF) and Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) are supporting the DfT on the project. Research by the TTF highlighted to the DfT areas around signals maintenance that would benefit from extra funding, building the case for the allocation. Local authorities will be invited to apply for the money this month using dedicated pages on the LCRIG website.

The process involves authorities demonstrating the policies they have in place for using their traffic signals, existing maintenance programmes and their aspirations for the future.

The DfT is now writing to the chief executives of all English highways authorities and will work with the TTF, LCRIG, ITS UK and other industry bodies to promote the new funding. The LCRIG website, which has dedicated pages for each local authority, is hosting the questionnaire where authorities can submit their application.

“This is a welcome sign of the TTF making a real difference,” said TTF chair Steve Gooding. “The TTF’s work revealing the present state of performance of traffic signal systems – in particular the roadside data on which they depend – has been instrumental in building the case for this funding to be provided.

“Whether all the changes in our travel patterns through the many months of Covid-lockdown will be sustained remains to be seen, but the growth in home-working and home deliveries both suggest that now is the perfect time for authorities to review and, as necessary, retune the settings of their traffic signals and check to ensure they are working as effectively as possible.”

Applying for DfT Funding

The application process via the LCRIG website will run for four weeks and opens 12 April. The closing date for applications is 7 May. The DfT will issue further detailed information about the application process shortly. At TRL Software, we are involved in key aspects of future mobility to make the best use of new and emerging technological solutions to future transport issues. We want to use this knowledge to support Local Authorities in repairing and upgrading traffic signals, so get in touch, and we can support your application.