Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
Intelligent Traffic Control Installation (iVRI) at traffic lights
- Publication category
- High-Risk AI-system
- Impact assessment
- DPIA
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to source registration
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The aim is to improve road safety, traffic flow and accessibility. It should also help reduce CO2 emissions by making traffic flow smoother.
It has an impact on everyone participating in traffic, yet we expect this algorithm to have a low impact. After all, it will be more efficient, but citizens may not notice much of that.
Considerations
The advantage of deploying this algorithm is that traffic can flow better and smarter. The disadvantage is that the Province can adjust settings independently slightly less directly compared to traditional traffic control systems.
Human intervention
The algorithm makes real-time independent decisions. There is no "human in the loop" for these decisions. The decisions made by the algorithm do fall within human-specified criteria (e.g.: What is the maximum time a traffic light can stay green).
In addition, the outcomes are monitored and adjusted. This allows the Province to respond to changing traffic flows.
Risk management
Traffic safety is controlled: For traffic lights in general, as soon as a traffic unsafe situation may arise (conflicting directions get green), the algorithm will abort and the traffic lights will start flashing. This is because in addition to the 'control algorithm' that controls the traffic lights, there is also a control algorithm. The abort is due to this separate safety-control algorithm. Apart from this, the general traffic rules also apply when the traffic lights are 'flashing'. Traffic safety is a basic design principle in traffic lights and the algorithms used.
Legal basis
The Road Traffic Act 1994 (WVW) is the basis for all traffic rules. The basic principle here is the smoothness and flow of traffic and that no one should cause a nuisance or danger on the road.
Links to legal bases
- Road Traffic Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0006622/2025-01-01
- Traffic light regulation: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0009151/2019-07-01
Impact assessment
Operations
Data
The data used by the algorithm is the real-time data measured by the control system itself using detection loops and pushbuttons, among others. In addition, data is retrieved via national UDAP. These specific data flows (origins from mobiles and on-board computers) have been labelled as (potentially) person traceable data. All parties processing this data have signed a data processor agreement.
The core of iVRIs is the integration of various data sources. These include:
1. Sensors: These are placed at intersections and detect the presence and speed of vehicles.
2. Connected vehicles: Modern vehicles often transmit data about their location and speed.
3. Mobile apps: Think of navigation apps that share real-time traffic information.
These data streams are collected and analysed in a central system, where decisions are made about traffic light cycles.
Technical design
The traffic light receives signals about traffic approaching. The traffic light receives these signals via advanced systems of cars and applications installed on road users' smartphones. The traffic light receives information about what kind of traffic is coming (bicycle, car, bus, truck) and how much traffic is coming. Based on this, it weighs up who gets green and how long a traffic light is on green. A bus has a higher value than a car and multiple cars may again have more value than a single truck.
The way the algorithms regulate traffic is a translation of local and regional policy choices.
External provider
Similar algorithm descriptions
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