AI incorporated by Glasgow City Council to improve traffic flow and road safety

Glasgow City Council has come into partnership with VivaCity to provide a solution to improve traffic flow and road safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. This is by using AI-powered sensors to measure the flow and detect traffic, allowing signals to respond better.

Two key intersections on Byres Road are the first to be fitted with this technology, those being the junction with Church Road and White Street, and the junction at Dumbarton Road. Glasgow City Region Deal is funding this new initiative, with an aim to pour £1 billion into the city’s transport infrastructure. This new system has vehicle detection software to better keep cyclists safe.

Mark Nicholson, CEO of VivaCity said: “Our AI technology is designed to make cities safer and more efficient for everyone. By improving traffic signal responsiveness and providing valuable insights into road usage, we are confident that this partnership will help to improve travel in Glasgow and make it safer. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will bring to the city.”

VivaCity technology has already been deployed at a crossing on Paisley Road West, this has been improving bus journey times to and from the city centre, making the commute more bearable for commuters. These sensors automatically count the number of pedestrians waiting at a crossing, the bigger the group the larger the priority the system gives them. It can also detect buses on their approach, allowing the city to balance the demand between pedestrians and commuters. This data is fed into the traffic signal controller which can analyse the different classes, directions and volumes of road users.

On top of these functions, the sensors also gather and analyses data on other transportation modes. This data will be used to assess the function of junctions, so city planners can ensure new junctions meet the needs of any requirements people may have. This can be done whilst also collecting data for traffic purposes.

VivaCity is also working with local councils in England to introduce similar solutions in places such as Dudley in an effort to boost active travel.