Smart traffic light expansion given the green light

Traffic congestion

Greater Manchester is set to see a multi-million pound expansion of its sophisticated smart traffic light network as part of an ongoing programme to tackle congestion across the city-region.

The £5.6m scheme, funded by Local Growth Deal Funding, will be invested in two systems: SCOOT and MOVA – which will mean Greater Manchester will have the largest smart traffic light network in the country outside London.

SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique) enables groups of traffic signals in busy areas to work together so that traffic flow is smoother and congestion reduced. Sensors pick up traffic data and use it to synchronise the lights so capacity is increased and delays reduced.

Studies have shown SCOOT has increased traffic performance by up to 15% compared to a fixed time system.

MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) works on the same principle but is used at standalone junctions. If a road is clear the system attempts to minimise delays at the lights by changing more frequently. If the road is congested the system prioritises through flow to boost capacity.

As part of the recent Congestion Deal, poorly timed traffic signals were identified as one of the top five reasons for traffic congestion by members of the public. Having an intelligent and integrated traffic management system is one of the key ways congestion can be reduced in the city-region.

The investment will mean 70% of Greater Manchester’s signal controlled junctions will have SCOOT and MOVA installed.

Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Head of Highways, said: “Everyone knows that traffic levels change throughout the day, but often older style signals remain static – or have to be manually changed. To ensure traffic keeps on flowing we need traffic lights and junctions that constantly adapt and change so that people’s journeys are smoother, shorter and as stress-free as possible.

Local Growth Deals provide funds to local enterprise partnerships or LEPs (partnerships between local authorities and businesses) for projects that benefit the local area and economy.