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

  • Fast, safe and sustainable transport for Johannesburg
    February 14, 2012
    GTZ highlights a pioneering scheme illustrating the potential of Bus Rapid Transit systems as a viable approach to alleviate the traffic and social problems faced by large cities worldwide
    Read More
  • Fast, safe and sustainable transport for Johannesburg
    April 12, 2012
    GTZ highlights a pioneering scheme illustrating the potential of Bus Rapid Transit systems as a viable approach to alleviate the traffic and social problems faced by large cities worldwide Most major cities worldwide have been characterised by the phenomenon of steadily growing urbanisation accompanied by exponentially increasing numbers of private motorised vehicles. This has led to congested roads and sprawling cities, with commuters having to travel long distances to and from work. Despite huge inves
    Read More
  • ACO curbs the rain
    November 20, 2023

    ACO says its KerbDrain CycleKerb drainage solution for bike lanes in England meets LTN 1/20 standards while making travel safer for all cycle lane users.

    Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN 1/20) sets out minimum standards for English local authorities and highway engineers when implementing new cycle infrastructure. It includes, but is not limited to, cycle crossings and junctions, cycle lanes, cycle tracks, cycle networks and cycle parking.

    Read More
  • Florida highway rebuild project
    May 2, 2018
    Rebuilding a congested stretch of highway in Florida will cut congestion and boost safety for commuters - Mike Woof writes. Florida’s 214km-long I-4 highway provides a key transport route between Tampa and Daytona Beach, but has an unenviable reputation for both congestion and safety, with frequent delays due to heavy traffic as well as crashes. The stretch running through the city of Orlando is particularly prone to jams at peak periods, with huge traffic volumes resulting in vehicles having to slow to a c
    Read More

Highlighted Content