About 15 years ago, living in Asian traffic (enough said), I was overwhelmed with the desire to develop a traffic management system that addressed the needs of the roads authorities, yet operated in a flexible way to satisfy the drivers, riders and pedestrians.

The results was a software simulation of CARS (computerised adaptive routing system) which turned the current sensing and route algorithms on their head. The basic premise was to detect vehicle count as they leave the junctions (not on the approach apron), and to allow dynamic control of lane turn arrows to adapt with traffic volumes.

Some other tricks were also applied to allow real-time unattended modification of the traffic flow - based on local surges (e.g. stadium crowds), and to close specific routes for roadworks, or other priority activities.

The simulation result was spectacular, and when demonstrated to traffic engineering firms (UK & Germany), they loved the idea, but noted that a small number of blue-chip companies have a stranglehold on these infrastructure projects, and it would be near impossible to get a look-in unless you exposed the IP to them so they could 'think about it'.

Michael Coop - 17.07.09

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