The scheme aims to reduce traffic congestion throughout the West Midlands metropolitan area by linking the existing UTC centres with the traffic systems operated by the police, Highways Agency and public transport operators. It is the first time these organisations have been linked together in such a way.
It is hoped that combining these traffic control systems on one platform will enable the new system to more effectively identify traffic hotspots, make traffic signals more efficient, improve the bus network through selective vehicle priority, deliver more traffic information and enable intelligent transport services to be deployed.
The scheme will cover Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
The ultimate aim of the project is to manage traffic flow, resulting in improved journey times, improve air quality and reduce stationary and stop-start traffic.
To achieve this aim, Telent will use a variety of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), including Central Control Room, selective vehicle priority systems, CCTV enhancements, Traffic Signal Junction Controllers, UTC Systems, Variable Message Signs (VMS), above ground detection devices, environmental monitoring, communications and monitoring and evaluation systems.
Peter Eccleson, general manager of Traffic Technology at Telent, said: “This highly innovative project is the first of its kind in the UK. Telent has a well-established track record in the design and delivery of complex and pioneering projects not only in its Traffic Technology Division but also in the rail, metro, emergency services and defence sectors. We are proud to be working with the West Midlands authorities in leading ITS development in this area.”
