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

Whereas ordinary traffic lights register by detection loops (sensors in the road) that traffic is passing over, 'smart' traffic lights additionally register via apps what kind and how much traffic is coming. This allows traffic lights to see traffic "arriving" earlier and thus determine how long the traffic light is on green.

Last change on 27th of June 2024, at 13:04 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
Publication category
Impactful algorithms
Impact assessment
Field not filled in.
Status
In use

General information

Theme

Traffic

Begin date

2019-10

Contact information

opendata@groningen.nl 

Link to publication website

https://www.groningenbereikbaar.nl/nieuws/vijftien-slimme-verkeerslichten-in-groningen-en-drenthe-video https://www.groningenbereikbaar.nl/nieuws/slimme-verkeerslichten-en-apps-verbeteren-doorstroming https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/54245b73619f46ef8962f2c3f7782925/page/Sensorenregister/?views=Verkeer 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 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 municipality has less autonomy compared to other traffic control systems.

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 well maintained.

Legal basis

The Road Traffic Act 1994 (WVW) is the basis for all traffic rules. The guiding principle here is the smoothness and flow of traffic and that no one should cause hindrance or danger on the road. In addition, use has been promoted from the national Talking Traffic project and included in the Municipal Policy Plan.

Links to legal bases

  • Wegenverkeerswet: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0006622
  • Talking Traffic : https://www.talking-traffic.com/nl/
  • Gemeentelijk Beleidsplan: https://gemeenteraad.groningen.nl/Documenten/Bijlage-3-Beleidsplan-Verkeerslichten.pdf

Operations

Data

Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) connect vehicles with other vehicles, roadside infrastructure, road users -such as pedestrians and cyclists- and cloud-based services (apps).

Links to data sources

Meer informatie vanuit de leverancier: https://www.swarco.com/nl/oplossingen/verkeers-management/intelligente-verkeersregelinstallaties

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, 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 control traffic is a translation of local choices.

External provider

Swarco

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