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.

Microsimulation models regulated intersections

Municipality of The Hague

COCON (COherent CONglomerate of traffic control software) is the most widely used programme in the traffic control engineering world to determine the order in which traffic flows are handled at intersections (and what is and is not allowed at the same time). The outcome is input for the traffic control programme to be created for each intersection.

Last change on 23rd of August 2024, at 15:20 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0

Publication category: Other algorithms
Impact assessment: Field not filled in.
Status: In use

Theme

Traffic

Begin date

Field not filled in.

Contact information

datashop@denhaag.nl

Link to publication website

https://dtvconsultants.nl/producten-en-diensten/cocon-en-graphium/

Goal and impact

Designing phase sequences of traffic lights. When a citizen uses public space as a participant in traffic, they indirectly come into contact with the outcomes of COCON calculations for intersections. The citizen notices this by the sequencing and being allowed to cross at the same time or not at the same time in the green phases of traffic lights.

Considerations

No alternatives have been considered. Within the traffic engineering community, this product is uncontroversial. A primary government task in relation to road safety is the design of (safe) and optimally functioning intersections.

Human intervention

Human intervention is purely aimed at providing the input to the control programme. This process can be stopped at any time. The outcome of the programme is only used as input (combined with human judgement) for the design.

The supplier has a user group of road managers and based on periodic tuning, they make improvements.

Risk management

There are no specific risks in terms of privacy issues around personal data. Bias does not play a role.

Legal basis

This follows from the statutory duty of the road authority and the Road Traffic Act.

Data

Anonymous data on traffic intensities is used in relation to how best to design an intersection controlled by traffic lights, taking into account the layout of lanes, drafting lengths, distribution of traffic movements.

Technical design

See website https://dtvconsultants.nl/producten-en-diensten/cocon-en-graphium/

COCON is used to determine so-called phase sequences at intersections with traffic lights. COCON supports and facilitates work for traffic experts. The software also performs (design) calculations for variant studies. When changing certain assumptions of an arrangement, the resulting effects become clear. COCON also allows traffic experts to advise each other: how can a traffic light-controlled intersection best be designed, taking into account lane layout, lane lengths, distribution of traffic movements, and so on.

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