SMART ROAD SYSTEMS SPELL END TO TRAFFIC JAMS
▶ Sensors can cut congestion by helping drivers to steer clear of trouble
Intelligent road monitors and pre-emptive traffic warning systems could help reduce pollution and cut congestion in cities such as Dubai.
At a conference in Dubai, experts described how a digital model of the emirate using traffic data at peak times can predict congestion hot spots and help drivers steer clear of gridlocks.
That information can then be used to improve vehicle flow through speed restrictions, alternative routes and providing route information before bottlenecks form.
Specialists from the PTV Group, an international software company that has helped reduce traffic in 18 countries, presented their latest technology to reduce tailbacks and fumes during rush hour.
Named among the top 50 global pollution hot spots by Greenpeace, Dubai is a modern city that would benefit from a reduction in congestion and carbon-dioxide emissions.
“In Dubai there is one big vehicle pipeline from Sharjah that gets congested at specific times of the day,” said Andrea Petti, regional managing director for PTV Group.
PTV builds digital models of a city to gather data and make projections, so authorities can anticipate where and when there will be a traffic build-up.
“This helps them address traffic congestion and encourages people to use more efficient public transport systems like the Metro,” Mr Petti said.
While the dream of self-driving electric cars may be a decade away, dramatic change is forecast in the way residents will navigate through Dubai in the near future.
Along with an integrated traffic management system, changing human behaviour in a city where the car is king could be the greatest challenge to reduce harmful vehicle emissions.
Ride sharing and improved “last-mile” transport via electric scooters to and from a wider public transport network are important factors in reducing the number of cars on the road.
“One option is to use autonomous shuttles, where there is a mix of electric mobility and a high-capacity transport system that can offload passengers on their routes,” Mr Petti said.
“Convenience is a must for travellers, so first and last-mile options like e-scooters will ease Metro accessibility.
“There will always be hardcore populations that will not move to public transport, so it has to be made an attractive proposition.”
Cities around the world are using various methods to reduce congestion and pollution.
The Moia ride-sharing service tried out by Volkswagen in Hamburg and Hannover in Germany was launched two years ago.
There are more than 300 luxury vans in the fleet, carrying up to six passengers at a time in comfort, allowing them to relax or work during their journey.
Moia aims to take a million cars off the roads and estimates it can reduce congestion by 90 per cent in the cities where it operates.
Abu Dhabi is leading efforts to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads by launching a carpooling initiative.
The Department of Transport launched an online system last week that encourages motorists to sign up and offer lifts to strangers, friends and work colleagues.
Those signing up can either look for rides or offer them, with the system relying on Good Samaritans who are keen to help cut carbon emissions.
As well as the mental toll on drivers stuck in traffic, gridlock can have negative effects on health. Airborne nitrogen dioxide particles emitted by vehicles can cause respiratory damage, leading to lung infections and asthma.
The World Health Organisation said air pollution kills half a million people every year. Taking vehicles off the road also reduces smog.
Researchers have successfully trialled similar traffic reducing methods in Turin, Italy. Since 2013, traffic management software developed by PTV has eased congestion, transforming the Italian city into one of the most free-flowing urban communities in Europe.
“With just a few sensors in the right places and the correct model you can develop shortterm forecasts on traffic flow so it can be managed correctly,” said Dario Menichetti regional project manager for PTV Group.