Traffic busting plans for London

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has unveiled new measures TfL is introducing to ease traffic in the capital and minimise disruption on the city’s roads. Trials of new technology are to be carried out, including a new generation of digital road signs providing people with real-time information on journeys using major routes into London. They will initially be tested on the A12, A13 and A40. TfL is also trialling a new operating system of temporary traffic lights that can be remotely controlled from TfL’s traffic control centre. A London 2012 Games-style 24/7 communication campaign is planned for their introduction.

Expanding the use of road junction technology is expected to be introduced, including the ‘Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique’ (SCOOT) to optimise traffic light timings in outer London. Working with sat-nav companies, the Mayor and TfL are encouraging firms to take advantage of the latest technology by using TfL’s extensive data feeds to update sat-navs so motorists can be provided with real-time TfL information as they drive. These are in addition to a range of measures already being practiced to ease congestion.

Chief Operating Officer of Surface Transport at TfL, Garrett Emmerson, said, ‘When we began work to deliver these improvements earlier this year, we promised to do everything possible to keep London working and moving. By providing accurate, timely and detailed information to all, we’ll continue to ensure Londoners, businesses and road users can plan ahead to avoid the hotspots and minimise disruption.’