Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Traffic Jams and Improve Road Safety? Germany to Test New Traffic Light Technology
From July 2024, the southern German state of Baden-Württemberg will introduce new traffic lights to reduce travel times.
Smart traffic lights thanks to artificial intelligence
Baden-Württemberg tests new intelligent traffic light systems to improve traffic flow, increase safety and reduce emissions. As early as July 2024, the city of Ellwangen will adopt the Yutraffic Fusion system. It uses artificial intelligence to manage and model traffic in real time. The system uses historical and current data to predict traffic and adjust traffic lights accordingly. The initiative has already proven its effectiveness abroad. London, for example, has seen its travel times reduced by 20% and the number of stop-and-gos reduced. The project will be tested in Baden-Württemberg for six months. It will be funded with 200,000 euros for software licenses and new hardware components.
During this period, twelve traffic lights along the B290 and the Südtangente in Ellwangen will be controlled by AI. The aim is to achieve smoother traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion. While integrating the needs of public transport, cyclists and pedestrians into the decision-making process. new detection technologieslike the sensors above the tracks, will allow to collect precise data on traffic. After the test phase, the results will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the system. If the results are positive, the ministry could recommend the adoption of this system in other German cities. This technology would then become a common solution for managing urban traffic.
Towards more efficient traffic management?
Integrating AI into traffic management is not a new idea. But its large-scale application remains a challenge. In Germany, this test marks the first use of the Yutraffic Fusion system, which has already proven itself elsewhere. The system optimizes traffic light cycles based on short-term traffic forecasts. Thus providing a dynamic and responsive solution to changing traffic conditions. By reducing waiting times at traffic lights, the system also contributes to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
The expected benefits go beyond simply reducing travel times. Better traffic management improves road safety by reducing the risk of accidents related to congestion. In addition, the Yutraffic Fusion system promotes more sustainable and inclusive mobility by integrating the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. The downside: the high installation costs of the system. But the potential savings in fuel and the reduction in social costs related to accidents and pollutant emissions justify them according to the publisher of this solution.
In the long term, will the widespread adoption of this type of technology transform urban traffic management? Cities could become more pleasant and safer environments for all road users. By adopting these systems, local authorities are in any case demonstrating their commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions to meet contemporary urban mobility challenges.
