How can you optimize traffic signals to reduce emissions?

many years ago - maybe 20 years - there was a report (LTT I think) that analysed the benefits of optimising signals to benefit pedesrians. they found that when wait time was minimised, pedestrians with mode choice chose to walk more often. not surprising and definitely more ethical. also why don't signals routinely get set to start change to green man immediately the button is pressed if the crossing has not been used for some time (i.e.traffic has been moving in between). Drivers and passengers warm and safe (and inactive) in their cars should not take priority over pedestrians and cyclists being pysically active in the rain.

The traditional approach of optimising traffic signals in urban areas for vehicular demand is being challenged globally. In our cities, the movement of people as sustainability as possible is the key metric. This will vary by site and time of day and especially at peak demands, sustainable modes should be prioritised. It's the number of people moved efficiently that counts.

Optimizing traffic signal operations relies on understanding trip generation patterns and traffic modes, crucial for estimating Passenger Car Units (PCUs) at intersections. The analysis involves correlating city land use types and conducting origin-destination surveys. Assessing arterial, sub-arterial, and local road networks aids trip assignment, optimizing rotary design and signal timings. IoT sensors and cameras collect data for machine/deep learning frameworks to develop multiple optimized signal plans.

Implement adaptive traffic signal control systems that use real-time data to adjust signal timings based on current traffic conditions. These systems can respond dynamically to fluctuations in traffic flow, reducing unnecessary idling and congestion.

First, traffic signals are not safety devices. They are traffic control devices. While there are some safety benefits, overall a signalized intersection generates more crashes than non-signalized. Second, while optimizing is good, the article does not mention that elimination of the signal is the best overall strategy to reduce both crashes and an air pollution hot spots. This takes good network/system planning. Take a look at Dubai.

It is important to note that a single method of control (control strategy) probably won't get the most efficient operation from a set of signals 24 hours per day. It is important to understand the different issues that exist at different times of day due to levels of congestion etc. So, for example, implementing plans that are efficient during peak periods could cause unnecessary delays or stops overnight for large trucks which produce large quantities of emissions in these situations. So flexibility of operation and high-levels of Vehicle Activation are key off peak.

Spending time onsite watching how users interact with a set of traffic signals can be hugely insightful. Traffic signals require regular, proactive monitoring as changes in the wider system influence local conditions requiring minor adjustments or tweaks'.

Prioritizing public transport at traffic signals sparks a shift from private to sustainable commuting. By dedicating signal phases to buses and trams, we improve their efficiency, enticing commuters with faster, more reliable travel. This not only reduces individual travel times but also promotes a collective modal shift, easing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. In the quest for urban sustainability, traffic signal optimization, coupled with public transport prioritization, emerges as a dynamic strategy, offering a smoother, greener path forward.

Traffic lights should ensure a green wave on a low speed of 30-50km/h in cites will ensure safety and reduce fast runs and stops, which reduces the accordion effrect. Les stops and breaks would recudo both GHG emissions and pollutants from breaks and tires

Segurança é algo tão importe e primordial, que é inegociável, não tem custo, sim investimento em prevenção. Hoje as ferramentas digitais estão a meio passo de qualquer profissional comprometido em aprender e executar, disponibilizando meios otimizados de fácil entendimento.

There are many softwares and equipments (sensors, cameras etc) available for realtime traffic optimization. However, calibration and maintenance of this equipments is the key for taking the best performance. Moreover, the data input should be inserted the software accurately and all the penalties and obstacles should be mentioned. Therefore, the traffic optimization team should visit the site ones before the optimization study.

Effective designs for signalised installations requires a number of aspects to be included. This includes understanding the issues around modelling traffic data using effective tools, such as Linsig, to iteratively reach a strong design. The method of control will also probably need to be different at different times of day to work most efficiently, thus fixed plans with offsets during peak periods, vehicle activated modes outside the peaks. Then when implemented, undertaking an effective commissioning process to validate the operation achieved on site matches expectations and ongoing periodic assessments to understand how operational aspects may have changed over the course of time and to make alterations as required.

For me, SiBike is a highly intriguing tool that stands out for its commitment to sustainable cycling mobility. By adjusting traffic signals to create cyclist-friendly phases, SiBike not only optimizes travel but also makes cycling an efficient and appealing choice for every commuter. 🚴♂️✨ This innovative approach not only reduces individual travel times but also encourages a collective modal shift towards environmentally-friendly transportation. In the light of urban sustainability, SiBike, coupled with intelligent traffic signal optimization, emerges as a dynamic solution shaping a clean and healthy future for urban mobility.

Traffic engineers can employ adaptive signal control technologies (ASCT) that adjust signal timings in real time based on traffic conditions, thereby minimizing idling and stop-and-go traffic which are significant contributors to emissions. For example, the implementation of SCATS in Sydney has shown improvements in traffic flow efficiency. SCATS dynamically adjusts green light durations at intersections based on traffic volume data collected through sensors and cameras, reducing vehicle idle times and improving overall traffic speed. It reported a reduction in travel time and stops by up to 40% and 50% respectively, which directly correlates with lower emissions leading to environmental sustainability within urban traffic networks.

Remote sensing technologies integrated with GIS, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and radar, can enhance data collection by providing additional information on vehicle movements, speeds, and traffic density. These tools contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of traffic dynamics.

It doesn't end once a site is installed and validated, this should be an ongoing activity to ensure efficiency is maintained over time. In addition to periodic physical assessments, using UTC capabilities like SCOOT that use extensive networks of vehicle detection, allows the timings of signals across the whole network to be automatically adjusted in real-time in response to actual traffic flow.

There is a balance needed between optimising for vehicle movement and achieving (or contributing to) strategic aspirations for the road network. Having a multi-modal network plan for a transport network can better guide trade-off decisions. Examples include minimising cycle times for the benefit of pedestrians despite potential increases in delay to general traffic.

It is observed that traffic conditions are dynamic and subject to change due to factors such as accidents, special events, construction, or unexpected weather events. The uncertainty and variability in traffic patterns require adaptive and flexible optimization strategies that can quickly respond to real-time changes.

the main challenge is to be able to include all modes and their particular speeds. Still, in urban areas it is easier to reduce different between cars and they shouldn't run over 50km/h

In "old school" system, biggest challenge is to collect data for traffic route, direction, volume by day, week, mount, year, season, work day, not work day, holiday, day of big event, ... etc. All this must be integrated in manual. In modern systems you have permanent counting system of this parameters in real time, so computer of road signs/traffic lights can adjust time of signals and synchronize them with other traffic lights by communication network.

The Sydney Co-ordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) it is one of the most widely used ATCSs in Australia and the world, developed by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) of New South Wales. The control system involves the use of inductive loops beneath the surface of the road immediately before the intersection stop line of a road. The data collected via the induction loops is gathered within the local controller situated at each intersection which is then transmitted to a regional computer. The data is then analysed and assessed by the regional computer in order to calculate the most appropriate cycle lengths, splits and offsets for the network of local controllers within vicinity of the regional computer.

Hi. 1_ - Use sellphone signals for analyse route of driver shall help to identify most important route. 2- Forecasting time of route in street frome point A to B 3- Some time we can control signals for set route for special persons for example police or ....

Hoje em dia os veículos estão cada vez mais embarcados com tecnologias de ponta, que oferecem infinitas possibilidades de explorá-las. Um belo exemplo seria o uso de uma inteligência artificial programada para auxiliar motoristas e pedestres, durante seus percursos, uma vez que as pessoas estão ficando presas em seus aparelhos tecnológicos cada vez mais, imagina se o mesmo emitisse som e alertas de sinalizações!

Com a utilização de aplicativos de navegação por GPS e que contém informações de usuários e detalhes sobre rotas, de uma maneira indireta, pode-se diminuir a emissão de combustível, ao pegar uma rota que não haja trânsito por exemplo. Caso sincronize-se tais aplicativos com os semáforos, terá uma melhora considerável para a qualidade de vida das pessoas de uma maneira geral.

Optimizing traffic signals to reduce emissions requires us to reduce idling time at the intersections with traffic signals. Since relatively more emissions are emitted at low speeds, reducing delays would contribute to better air quality. The up is that the increasing number of electric vehicles or hybrids that shut down their engines at low speeds or while at intersections means that even without intervention (optimizing traffic lights), the problem of emissions should decrease with time. Of course, the main reason for optimizing traffic lights at intersections is the loss of time (which equals money) of drivers delayed at intersections. So regardless of emissions, the task of optimizing traffic lights is paramount.

If signals are being used in urban environments and include pedestrian or cycle facilities, shouldn't they be optimised for these users to encourage active travel? I spent two minutes standing in the rain at a crossing yesterday as the signals kept priority on the long slow moving line of weather proofed, air conditioned with comfortable seating cars. This is not going to encourage active travel with it's benefits in emissions and congestion.

a fundamental problem is that in transport planning (DfT dictates and could change this) we value motorist travel time but not the travel time of pedestrians and cyclists - let alone their comfort or inherent safety and fear/risk of crime etc. We also don't include mortality or morbidity benefits economically (or quality of life) to those pedestrians and cyclists, which also confer over time reduced cost to local and health aothirities in treating the ill health and care needs of people made ill through physucal inactivity. We need a 'big picture' approach to space planning, transport planning and economic evaluation that asks a full 'what does good look like' balanced scorecard question. only then will things get better.

It is important to remember that 'optimising' does not necessarily mean maximising vehicle throughput or minisming vehicle delay. Optimising means to make the best or most effective use of something. It could be that the most effective use of a set of traffic signals is to facilitate a reliable public transport network? or perhaps to minimise waiting time for pedestrians? The overall strategic intent at a macro level needs to be understood to inform the micro level details in a network.

Sometimes, delving into strategic traffic management becomes imperative. Consider the concept of demotivating motor vehicles, strategically steering towards sustainable modes of transport. This approach not only necessitates a reevaluation of priorities but also paves the way for a modal shift—ushering in a future where eco-friendly means of transport take precedence. 🚗❌🚴♂️ Embracing strategic traffic management is the key to fostering a sustainable and resilient urban mobility landscape.

Consider the public agency costs associated with the care and feeding and study effort described in all of these great comments and work to replace the majority of signals with roundabouts. Enjoy your new found free time and congratulate yourself for assisting in addressing fatal and serious injury intersection crashes.