Transport for London (TfL) is to start using new technology from two UK start-ups designed to reduce road danger and disruption caused by roadworks and unplanned incidents on the capital’s road network.
In 2019, TfL launched the RoadLab innovation challenge for participants to develop technology that could make roadworks in London safer, smarter and more accessible.
Nine organisations were chosen to go through to a 10-week programme, where their proposed technology was trialled and developed with the support of London’s major utility companies and London Councils.
Following a procurement process, TfL has now awarded contracts to Samdesk and Immense.
Immense uses simulation technology that models roadworks to understand their impact on the capital’s road network before they take place. The software can provide TfL and utilities staff with information on predicted congestion impacts, increases in emissions and the safety impacts of planned roadworks. This information can then be used to inform people in London about predicted impacts to their intended journey.
Software from Samdesk leverages artificial intelligence and real-time anonymised social media data to detect emerging disruptions, giving TfL staff “a faster and more comprehensive insight” into incidents happening across the transport network. According to TfL, having early access to information about incidents across London will help it to respond to them more quickly.
TfL said it will start to use software from both companies in the coming months.
Rikesh Shah, TfL’s head of commercial innovation, said: “London’s road network plays an absolutely vital role in keeping the capital moving and we’re always looking for innovative ways of making our streets safer, smarter and more sustainable.
“Our RoadLab programme has shown how the public and private sector can work together to create smart solutions to London’s transport problems.
“The technology developed by both Samdesk and Immense builds on the great results we achieved following the research and development work with during RoadLab.
“This delivered nine innovative solutions in 10 weeks, an astounding effort for both the public and private sector which we hope to build on in future innovation challenges.”
The programme was funded by TfL’s Lane Rental scheme, which charges roadworks companies for digging up London’s busiest roads at times that cause the most disruption to people’s journeys.
According to TfL, this money is then invested in tackling congestion and minimising the impact of roadworks and has reportedly saved £100m in lost travel time since the scheme started.
