Málaga will be the first city in Europe to test a new dynamic signalling system and real-time traffic optimiser for improving urban mobility.
The city has signed a cooperation agreement with ITS provider Kapsch TrafficCom to use the technology for an initial two-year period, with the possibility of two annual extensions.
The main objective of the demand management study is to provide vehicle users with alternative routes, thereby reducing traffic saturation during peak periods or in the case of unforeseen events.
José Del Río, Málaga’s mobility councillor, said: “It is very satisfying for Málaga to be the first city in Europe to realise a project of this magnitude.
“The technology will optimise the city’s traffic for the benefit of our citizens’ quality of life, resulting in less time in the car throughout their journey.”
Through a dynamic signalling system with variable message signs (VMS) and a new virtual VMS mobile application, optimised route advice will be displayed and indicated via audio in real-time to the driver of the vehicle approaching a decision point.
The system relies on traffic light information to dynamically select the best route in every scenario.
Neither Kapsch TrafficCom or Málaga will be compensated financially. This will enable the Spanish city to continue to benefit from free real-time traffic information through advanced navigation development upon completion of the project.
Juan Marín, city director, Spain and Portugal, Kapsch TrafficCom, said: “Public-private partnerships allow faster progress in the evaluation of innovative solutions for new mobility.
“The agreement we have signed enables the city of Málaga to be a showcase project for the use of demand and capacity management systems, which we will develop, implement and evaluate as part of a ground-breaking proof of concept in Europe.”
Want to learn more about issues, concepts and technologies that are changing the way in which people and goods move around urban environments safely, cleanly and efficiently? CiTTi Exhibition 2020 takes place on the 3rd and 4th of June at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Register your interest to attend at www.cittiexhibition.co.uk
