Vivacity’s AI-controlled junctions

Manchester is using AI-controlled traffic junctions from Vivacity to smooth the interaction between vehicles and the UK city’s increasing number of cyclists and pedestrians.
April 6, 2021 Read time: 2 mins
Thanks to an app from sensor manufacturer Kistler, documentation is easier and more practical

As more cyclists and pedestrians use junctions originally designed to prioritise cars and other vehicles, there is a need to look carefully at exactly who is using the roads and crossings and how they might most safely be able to move around.

“Since the pandemic, commuter trends and traffic hotspots have changed completely and cities need AI to help protect people no matter what mode of transport they take,” said Mark Nicholson, chief executive of Vivacity Labs. “Our vision is to help cities implement critical policies addressing safety, air quality, sustainable travel and congestion at a hyper-local level.”

Manchester’s programme - which won the Innovative Use of Technology award at the 2020 ITS (UK) Awards - uses sensors with inbuilt artificial intelligence (AI) to help Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to anonymously identify different types of road users at selected junctions.

By knowing what modes of transportation are present at a junction, traffic signals can be altered to prioritise some modes of transportation over others, such as cyclists over pedestrians and vehicles.

The AI signal control system, which Vivacity says is the first of its kind, went live last year and now simultaneously controls three neighbouring junctions in the Blackfriars area of Salford.

Manchester’s project is part of a three-year Innovate UK programme that could see up to 20 junctions using the Vivacity system by the end of 2021.

Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Chinese Government taking steps to reduce vehicle exhaust pollution
    November 15, 2013
    As a modern bustling megacity, Beijing is undergoing a fast growth rate and the country’s economic development has seen vehicle numbers increase rapidly, both in its capital and in other major cities. However, the recent pollution problems that hit several of China’s major cities, including capital Beijing, have underscored the need to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions in the country. The Chinese Government has recognised the need to address the problems of air pollution and congestion and Beijing in particu
    Read More
  • Highways England, Kier trial warning airbag
    February 23, 2021
    “Home Safe and Well”* is not just an inflated phrase put out by Highways England to raise awareness of work zone dangers. A large prototype airbag is adding some highly visible emphasis to the agency’s safety focus, reports David Arminas
    Read More
  • New approach needed in Europe to help improve motorcycle safety
    August 22, 2012
    The European Commission is proposing that part of its controversial new Anti-Tampering regulations for motorcycles should be re-written to prevent custom motorcycle builders from using long-forks. This is the latest in a series of requirements in the regulations to attracted criticisms from motorcycle manufacturers, dealers, safety campaigners and enthusiasts groups.
    Read More
  • Carlisle Northern Development Route opens
    April 24, 2012
    A new multi-million pound road which stops motorists having to travel through the centre of Carlisle in North West England has opened to the public two months ahead of schedule. The new Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR) starts from the Wigton Road (A595) to the south west of Carlisle, follows a route around the west of the city crossing the River Eden on a new bridge near Stainton and the West Coast Main Line on a new two-lane bridge constructed at Kingmoor.
    Read More

Highlighted Content