Automatic incident detection and improved traffic control in urban areas

Automatic traffic signal control systems such as SCOOT try to optimise traffic signals to minimise delays to drivers. Although such systems work well in normal traffic flow, as a network becomes congested the ability to minimise delays is reduced. To improve this situation three systems have been developed: ASTRID, INGRID and MONACO. ASTRTD is a database that monitors a traffic network and provides detailed information to a network operator about historic traffic conditions. INGRID is an online incident detection system that recognises unusual levels of congestion and MONACO is an online monitoring system that analyses recurrent congestion problems and suggests possible solutions. In the future it is hoped to develop these systems to take automatic remedial action to remove the congestion or prevent it spreading further