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.

Traffic control installation

Detection loops in the road register when there is traffic in front of a traffic light. Green times can be adjusted accordingly.

Last change on 27th of June 2024, at 13:06 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
Publication category
Other algorithms
Impact assessment
Field not filled in.
Status
In use

General information

Theme

Traffic

Begin date

2022

Contact information

opendata@groningen.nl

Link to publication website

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/54245b73619f46ef8962f2c3f7782925/page/Sensorenregister/?views=Verkeer

Link to source registration

https://data.groningen.nl/dataset/algoritmeregister-gemeente-groningen

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The aim is to improve road safety, traffic flow and accessibility.

It impacts everyone participating in traffic, yet we expect this algorithm to have a low impact. This is because it will be more efficient, but the road user may not notice much.

Considerations

The advantage of deploying this algorithm is that traffic can flow better and smarter. The disadvantage is that traffic is only registered close to the intersection because the detection loops are relatively close to the traffic light.

Human intervention

The municipality can set its own parameters, such as how long the traffic light is green. In addition, the outcomes are monitored and adjusted. This allows the municipality to respond to changing traffic flows.

Risk management

The system meets all applicable safety requirements and is highly secured. For instance, it is not possible to set all directions to green.

In addition, failures are monitored and the systems are properly maintained.

The data from the detection loops are anonymous and cannot be traced back to road users.

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

Wegenverkeerswet: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0006622

Operations

Data

Detection by sensors (loops) in the road.

Technical design

The traffic light receives signals about traffic approaching through the loops in the road. The detection loops only detect that there is traffic, not what kind of traffic is coming.

If the detection loops signal traffic, it is not yet the case that whoever comes first has first turn. Usually, the system does keep track of who has been waiting the longest. If it is busy in all directions, there is a fixed cycle that is completed. Each direction has to take its turn anyway, provided traffic is detected by the detection loop.

The loops also detect whether there is still traffic on the loop. This may extend the green time (the maximum green time is defined and set as a parameter). If the lane is empty and nothing is detected on the loop detection either, the light can change to yellow and red, to give other directions the turn.

The way the algorithms control traffic is a translation of local choices.

External provider

Swarco & Vialis

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