Smart Transport project to reduce traffic congestion in Exeter unveiled
Cutting edge research and technology will be used to trial new ways to tackle Exeter's traffic problems and alleviate congestion as the City grows over the next nine years.
Exeter is expected to grow by 12,000 new homes and 60 hectares of new business land by 2026, putting more pressure on the City’s already congested road network.
To deal with the problem, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council have joined forces with a business and academic group led by global IT services provider NTT DATA to unveil the pioneering Engaged Smart Transport project.
Understanding how Exeter’s existing road capacity can be managed more effectively is critical for Exeter to grow and create jobs.
The two year ‘intelligent’ transport scheme will analyse traffic hot-spots, and travellers behaviour along key routes into the city.
The routes will include the Exmouth to Exeter corridor (A376).
Real-time traffic and weather sensor data, observations from drivers and the public and behavioural information will also be used to better understand why congestion happens.
Taking an innovative approach to the use of existing and new data from a range of sources such as sensor technology, social media feedback and the latest traffic algorithm technology, the NTT DATA-led group of traffic experts and specialist providers will create solutions customised to Exeter.
The scheme has been awarded match funding by Innovate, the UK Government’s innovation agency.
The project participating organisations will have a wealth of local knowledge, capability and technology at their disposal including:
- Smart transportation expertise and new technology from Japan, along with programme management and customer experience capabilities from NTT DATA
- Intelligent transport systems from Imtech Traffic & Infra
- Environmental sensors from Vaisala providing information on local weather and road conditions
- Leading behavioural research into real time travel decision making from the University of Exeter
- Trend analysis, prediction and citizen engagement through social media from Black Swan
Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with special responsibility for Exeter, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this exciting project that will benefit Exeter residents.
"Technology is rapidly changing and this is a great opportunity to work with industry experts to help make the best use of the vast amount of data various organisations hold to help manage our transport network.”
Cllr Rachel Sutton, lead councillor for Exeter City Development, said: “We already use a range of traffic management measures across Exeter. "However, traffic levels and journey times remain unpredictable. The Engaged Smart Transport project will see the Council engage with NTT DATA and the consortium members, as well as the citizens of Exeter, to help traffic managers cut congestion and enable citizens to make travel choices which save time, are better for the city and the environment.
"The project outcomes will enhance the lives of residents and commuters and help the local economy to thrive, while supporting our public health efforts to reduce avoidable vehicle emissions.”
Exeter has a central population of 120,000 that already experiences daily congestion as well as one-off spikes caused by events.
“Cities around the world are suffering from the same congestion problems, so I’m delighted that we can apply NTT DATA’s proven technologies from Japan to drive innovation in the UK,” said Anna Price, head of public sector at NTT DATA.
“The Engaged Smart Transport project is a first-time investment by NTT DATA’s R&D department here in the UK and I’m really thrilled to be applying our Japanese smart transportation expertise to helping the people of Exeter.”
For more information, visit www.nttdata.com
