TfGM announces roll out of AI-controlled smart junctions

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced plans to roll out smart junctions across the city-region.

The expansion of smart junctions across Greater Manchester comes following the installation of a first-of-its-kind signal control system in Salford this year, which was successfully expanded to three neighbouring junctions in September.

The AI-controlled junctions can identify different types of road users, and give priority to cyclists and pedestrians where appropriate, making the road network safer for these road users who have increased in number during the coronavirus pandemic.

Congestion and queueing can also be managed more effectively as AI systems can respond more quickly to changing traffic conditions. The AI control system used by the smart junctions has been developed by Vivacity Labs.

The roll out of 20 further smart junctions in Greater Manchester has secured additional DCMS funding as part of a trial for the technology to be adopted nationally.

Mark Nicholson, CEO of Vivacity Labs, said:

Since the pandemic, commuter trends and traffic hotspots have changed completely, and cities need AI to help protect people no matter what mode of transport they take. Our vision is to help cities implement critical policies addressing safety, air quality, sustainable travel, and congestion, at a hyper-local level.”

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said:

Smart traffic technology is just one of the many ground-breaking areas the government is funding to pioneer new ways for artificial intelligence and 5G to transform our lives for the better. We’re backing this initiative in (Greater) Manchester to improve the city’s transport, reduce journey times and cut pollution. I look forward to seeing its positive impact and sharing the lessons across the UK.”

Richard Dolphin, Highways Network Performance Manager at Transport for Greater Manchester commented:

Having already developed an innovative product in terms of their sensing technology, Vivacity has become well-versed in the relevant standards and have made impressive strides in the continuing development of their Smart Junctions system. We’ve been really impressed with how Vivacity has approached this, assessing current ways of working and addressing the complexities of managing a multi-modal transport network. Hopefully, this development will continue into something that will positively disrupt the industry and revolutionise active travel in urban areas.”