Applications of data and information from U.K. Urban Traffic Control systems

摘要

Modern Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems generate a wealth of data and information. It is the author's view that little use is made of these data and information, other than as a tool to calibrate on-line traffic models. This hypothesis was tested by undertaking a questionnaire survey amongst the users of UTC systems. This sought to elicit what data and information were used, and for what purposes. It also sought the users' views on the future development of UTC systems and their integration with other traffic-related systems; the introduction of such integrated systems relies heavily on the efficient transfer of data and information. The hypothesis proved correct: very little of the data and information were used, in spite of their availability and high quality. The main reason appears to be the formats within which the data and information are presented. The full results and analysis of the questionnaire survey have been passed to the UTC system suppliers.