How Real-Time Traffic Monitoring Can Lead To A Better City

The means of urban mobility denote vehicular traffic, the rising numbers of which are posing significant challenges for urban planners and policy makers alike. Cities and urban agglomerations around the world are facing growing levels of traffic congestion, which is imposing significant human, environmental, and economic costs on local, regional, and national economies.

One of the proposed solutions to this problem manifests in the form of real-time traffic monitoring technologies and systems. These rely on the use of real-time data, GPS systems, dynamic adjustments built into traffic signals, adaptive road congestion charging mechanisms, intelligent traffic lights, vehicular communications systems, and V2x traffic data collection mechanisms.

Certain governments are rolling out digital systems that hinge on 3D geospatial data to monitor and de-congest traffic gridlocks. In addition, a close analysis of traffic flows in major junctions boosts planners' ability to chart new traffic routes and increase the speed of each vehicle. On-board GPS sensors, connected mobile phones, and real-time location data complement these initiatives. New forms of digitally enabled traffic monitoring systems are allying with vehicle to infrastructure (V2x) communications systems that rely on cutting edge communication technologies and protocols. Further, traffic planners are tapping the capabilities of modern geographical information systems (GIS) to perform diverse functions such as traffic modelling, accident analysis, and route planning.

Further to the above, real-time traffic monitoring technologies can improve the quality of life for urban citizens. Reduced congestion translates directly into lower levels of air pollution, faster response times for emergency service providers, smoother commutes to work for average citizens, and automatic re-routing for traffic headed to congestion zones.

Further, said systems can improve safety of vehicular traffic, prevent outsized traffic jams, adjust on-road speed limits for motorists, identify and stop overloaded commercial vehicles, and reduce potential damage to public infrastructure.

A smart city has many built-in features that can be leveraged in the traffic surveillance system. This will help prevent gridlocks, and ensure faster, smoother, and more efficient traffic in the whole city for all kinds of vehicles. These technologies are being researched and will be a key component of the smart city framework in transport, road, and residential administrative issues.