Cities in the United Kingdom and Australia have launched trials of artificial intelligence (AI) powered traffic light systems designed to manage road flow and prioritize specific road users over others. These pilots, located in the West Midlands of the UK and Queensland, Australia, represent a shift from conventional “fixed” timing signals to real-time, data-driven traffic management.
UK Trials Prioritize Cyclists and Pedestrians
In the UK, a traffic management system developed by VivaCity is being trialled on A34 Stratford Road, near Blyth Valley, in Birmingham. The project is overseen by Solihull Council and Transport for West Midlands.
The AI is currently only switched on during busy periods. If the trial is successful, the system may be introduced across the West Midlands to reduce vehicle dependency.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, stated that the project is part of a plan to encourage cycling to achieve cleaner air, fewer traffic jams, and improved fitness. Additionally, VivaCity CEO Mark Nicholson told The Times that the AI identifies what it sees without using any personal information.
Australia’s First AI Traffic Trial in Queensland
In Australia, the City of Moreton Bay is trialling the country’s first AI-powered traffic light system at the intersection of two suburban roads in Petrie, north of Brisbane. According to Theconversation, the system acts as a “referee” rather than a timer, using sensors and traffic data to adjust signals in real time.
Unlike conventional lights that follow set rules and may leave an empty road on green while queues wait at red, this AI system can incorporate:
- Real-time location of cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Past traffic patterns.
- Outside data, including major events or weather.
The AI can dynamically allocate more green time to busy roads, prioritize buses, or provide school children with longer crossing times. If this trial proves successful, similar systems may be implemented in other Australian towns.
Stakes of AI Urban Planning and Safety
The transition to AI traffic management raises questions regarding urban design and who is granted priority on public roads. Officials note that if cars are always prioritized, it may encourage more driving; conversely, prioritizing buses and pedestrians could make cities less car-dependent. In this capacity, the AI functions as a quiet urban planner.
The potential benefits are supported by previous pilots in the United States. A pilot in Pittsburgh using the Surtrac system reportedly cut travel time by 25%, waiting times by 40%, and estimated emissions by more than 20%.
Cybersecurity and Technical Risks
Despite the efficiency gains, cybersecurity remains a significant concern. Connected traffic lights can be targets for hackers who may attempt to create traffic jams or change signal timings to unsafe levels. Researchers in the US studied a network of 100 traffic lights and demonstrated that attackers could freeze lights or disrupt an entire road network.
To mitigate these risks, it is suggested that councils regularly monitor and test systems and implement a safe backup mode. This backup would return the lights to fixed timing if the AI fails or is attacked, ensuring human operators maintain control.
Sources: 1news.
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