5 Must-Have Features in a traffic light with countdown timer

Traffic light sensors are essential components in modern traffic management systems. They enable the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians by dynamically controlling traffic signals, reducing congestion, and minimizing the likelihood of accidents. As urban areas expand and traffic volumes rise, the role of these sensors in maintaining orderly traffic flow becomes ever more critical. This comprehensive guide explores how traffic light sensors work, the various technologies employed, their impact on road efficiency and safety, the challenges associated with their implementation, and future trends in the field. In addition, this guide highlights LEOTEK’s cutting-edge traffic signal solutions designed to further enhance road safety and operational efficiency.

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1. Introduction

Traffic light sensors have evolved from simple, timer-based systems into highly sophisticated components of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). In today’s cities, where congestion and road safety are major concerns, these sensors are indispensable tools that enable adaptive traffic signal control based on real-time data. This guide aims to provide a detailed, 101-level understanding of traffic light sensors—their technology, implementation, and impact on road efficiency. By the end of this guide, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of how these systems work, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they offer for creating smarter, safer road networks.

2. Fundamentals of Traffic Light Sensors

2.1 What Are Traffic Light Sensors?

Traffic light sensors are devices integrated into traffic signal systems that detect the presence, speed, and type of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. Their primary function is to provide real-time data that allows traffic controllers to adjust signal timings dynamically, ensuring optimal traffic flow. In addition to reducing delays, these sensors also enhance safety by managing the movement of vehicles and pedestrians more efficiently.

2.2 Types of Traffic Light Sensors

Several types of sensors are employed in traffic light systems, each with its advantages and limitations. The most common types include:

• Inductive Loop Sensors: Embedded beneath the roadway, these sensors detect vehicles by measuring changes in magnetic fields.
• Infrared Sensors: Use beams of infrared light to detect vehicles by measuring interruptions in the beam.
• Microwave Sensors: Utilize radar technology to detect moving objects, offering the advantage of functioning in various weather conditions.
• Video Detection Systems: Employ cameras and sophisticated image processing algorithms to monitor traffic and pedestrian movements.

Each sensor type plays a distinct role in enhancing traffic control and is selected based on specific environmental and operational requirements.

3. How Traffic Light Sensors Work

Understanding the operational principles of traffic light sensors is key to appreciating their role in modern traffic management. This section delves into the technical aspects of the various sensor types.

3.1 Inductive Loop Sensors

Principle:
Inductive loop sensors consist of wire loops embedded in the pavement. When a vehicle passes over or stops above the loop, it disrupts the magnetic field generated by the loop, resulting in a measurable change in inductance. This change is detected by the traffic signal controller, which then uses the data to adjust the signal timings.

Advantages:

• High reliability and durability.
• Ideal for permanent installations.

Limitations:

• Installation requires significant roadwork.
• Susceptible to damage during maintenance or road construction.

For more technical details, see the explanation provided by Wikipedia.

3.2 Infrared Sensors

Principle:
Infrared sensors operate by emitting beams of infrared light across an intersection. When a vehicle or pedestrian interrupts the beam, the sensor registers the change and triggers a signal. These sensors are particularly useful in low-traffic conditions where rapid response is necessary.

Advantages:

• Less expensive and easier to install.
• Effective in controlled environments.

Limitations:

• Performance can be affected by adverse weather conditions (e.g., fog, heavy rain).
• Less effective at detecting smaller objects.

A detailed overview of infrared sensor technology is available on ELTEC.

3.3 Microwave Sensors

Principle:
Microwave sensors emit electromagnetic waves (microwaves) and detect the reflections caused by moving vehicles. This technology is similar to radar used in aviation and provides excellent performance in various weather conditions.

Advantages:

• High reliability in all weather conditions.
• Can detect vehicles across multiple lanes.

Limitations:

• Generally more expensive.
• Installation and calibration can be complex.

More information on the benefits of microwave sensors is discussed by Popular Mechanics.

3.4 Video Detection Systems

Principle:
Video detection systems use cameras to monitor intersections. The video feed is processed by algorithms that can identify vehicles, pedestrians, and even bicycles. This type of system provides a wealth of data beyond mere vehicle presence, such as traffic density and movement patterns.

Advantages:

• Provides comprehensive data for traffic analysis.
• Versatile and adaptable to different environments.

Limitations:

• High cost due to sophisticated hardware and software requirements.
• Requires continuous data processing and can be affected by lighting conditions.

4. Integration into Traffic Control Systems

Once traffic light sensors gather data, the information must be processed and acted upon to optimize traffic flow. This is achieved through advanced traffic signal control systems.

4.1 Traffic Signal Controllers

Traffic signal controllers are the central units that receive sensor data, analyze traffic patterns, and determine the appropriate signal timings. They use both fixed-time schedules and adaptive algorithms to manage intersections. Adaptive controllers can adjust green, yellow, and red intervals based on the volume and speed of traffic, ensuring that the signals respond in real time to changing conditions.

4.2 Adaptive Traffic Control and Real-Time Adjustments

Modern traffic control systems use adaptive algorithms that continuously analyze data from sensors. For example:

• Adaptive Timing: Sensors detect real-time traffic volumes and adjust green light durations accordingly. This minimizes waiting times and smooths the flow of vehicles.
• Emergency Vehicle Preemption: Special sensors and algorithms allow traffic signals to grant immediate right-of-way to emergency vehicles, significantly reducing response times.
• Multi-Sensor Fusion: By combining data from multiple sensor types (e.g., inductive loops and video detection), controllers can achieve higher accuracy and reliability, even under adverse conditions.

The integration of these advanced control systems transforms traditional traffic lights into intelligent, data-driven tools that dynamically manage road networks. More details about adaptive traffic control can be found in the Federal Highway Administration report.

5. Impact on Traffic Flow and Road Safety

Traffic light sensors have a profound impact on both traffic flow and road safety. Their ability to provide real-time data and enable dynamic signal control leads to several significant benefits.

5.1 Enhancing Traffic Efficiency

Traffic light sensors contribute to smoother traffic flow in several ways:

• Dynamic Signal Timing: By adjusting the duration of green lights based on current traffic conditions, sensors reduce stop-and-go traffic and prevent long queues from forming.
• Reduced Congestion: Real-time adjustments help prevent gridlocks during peak hours, leading to faster travel times and lower fuel consumption.
• Optimized Intersection Performance: Sensors help maintain consistent vehicle movement across intersections, reducing delays and improving overall road network efficiency.

5.2 Improving Road Safety

Beyond improving traffic flow, sensors play a crucial role in enhancing safety:

• Accident Prevention: By dynamically adjusting signal timings, sensors help prevent collisions at intersections, particularly those involving impatient drivers or distracted pedestrians.
• Enhanced Pedestrian Safety: Sensors dedicated to detecting pedestrians ensure that crosswalks receive timely green signals, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Emergency Response: Systems that incorporate emergency vehicle preemption reduce the time it takes for ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles to reach their destinations, potentially saving lives.

Studies have shown that intersections equipped with advanced sensor systems experience fewer accidents and lower congestion levels. For a deeper understanding of these safety benefits, HowStuffWorks offers a thorough explanation of sensor-based traffic control.

6. Challenges in Traffic Sensor Implementation

While the benefits of traffic light sensors are significant, there are challenges associated with their implementation and maintenance.

6.1 Installation and Maintenance

Cost Considerations:
Advanced sensor systems—especially those using video detection or microwave technology—require substantial initial investment in hardware, installation, and integration. Additionally, ongoing maintenance costs must be considered to ensure long-term performance.

Technical Complexity:
The installation of sensors such as inductive loops requires road surface work, which can lead to traffic disruptions and higher labor costs. Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensure that sensors continue to function accurately.

Maintenance Demands:
Sensors must be regularly inspected, cleaned, and recalibrated. For example, video detection systems may require software updates and hardware cleaning, while inductive loops might need repair if damaged by roadworks. These requirements add to the overall operational cost and complexity of traffic management systems.

6.2 Environmental and Technical Challenges

Weather Conditions:
Extreme weather—such as heavy rain, snow, or fog—can impact the performance of certain sensors. Infrared sensors, for example, may have reduced accuracy in foggy conditions, while video systems can struggle under poor lighting.

Interference and Obstructions:
In densely populated urban areas, electromagnetic interference from nearby infrastructure or heavy machinery can affect the accuracy of inductive loop sensors. Additionally, physical obstructions, such as parked vehicles or road debris, can impede sensor performance.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure:
Retrofitting older intersections with modern sensor technology may present compatibility issues. Ensuring that new systems can communicate seamlessly with existing traffic controllers is critical for achieving the desired efficiency improvements.

These challenges require careful planning and coordination between transportation authorities, technology providers, and municipal agencies to ensure successful sensor deployment.

7. Future Trends in Traffic Light Sensor Technology

The field of traffic light sensor technology is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in digital technology, data analytics, and smart city initiatives. Several trends promise to shape the future of traffic management.

7.1 Integration with Smart City Initiatives

As urban centers become increasingly interconnected, traffic light sensors are set to play a key role in broader smart city ecosystems. By integrating sensor data with other urban management systems—such as public transportation networks, environmental monitoring, and emergency services—cities can achieve:

• Real-Time Data Sharing: Facilitating coordinated responses to traffic congestion, accidents, and emergencies.
• Enhanced Urban Planning: Data collected from traffic sensors can inform infrastructure investments and urban development strategies.
• Sustainable Transportation: Integrating traffic data with smart grid systems helps optimize energy use and reduce environmental impacts.

7.2 Advancements in Sensor Technology

Ongoing research and development are leading to the creation of even more sophisticated sensor systems. Future advancements may include:

• Smarter Sensors: With built-in artificial intelligence (AI), sensors may be able to analyze data locally and make decisions without central intervention.
• Multi-Sensor Fusion: Combining data from multiple sensor types (e.g., video, radar, and inductive loops) will improve accuracy and reliability, even under challenging conditions.
• Wireless Sensor Networks: Advances in wireless communication (including 5G and beyond) will enable more robust, low-latency data transmission across urban networks.

7.3 Data Analytics and Predictive Maintenance

With the rise of big data analytics, the potential for predictive maintenance in traffic systems is growing. By continuously monitoring sensor data, traffic management centers can:

• Detect Anomalies: Identify early signs of system degradation or potential failures.
• Schedule Preventive Maintenance: Reduce unplanned downtime by addressing issues before they become critical.
• Optimize System Performance: Use historical data to fine-tune traffic signal timings and improve overall efficiency.

These trends underscore the ongoing evolution of traffic light sensor technology and its critical role in creating safer, more efficient urban road networks.

8. LEOTEK Traffic Signal Solutions: Enhancing Road Efficiency

At LEOTEK, we are at the forefront of developing intelligent traffic management solutions that integrate advanced sensor technologies with modern connectivity. Our range of traffic signal products is designed to meet the growing demands of urban transportation systems, ensuring safer and more efficient roadways.

Introducing LEOTEK Traffic Signal Products

Smart LED Traffic Signals:
Our smart LED traffic signals are engineered for enhanced visibility and energy efficiency. Equipped with advanced sensor integration capabilities, these signals can adapt in real time to changing traffic conditions, reducing delays and improving safety at intersections.

Integrated Sensor Systems:
LEOTEK’s traffic signal solutions incorporate state-of-the-art sensor technology, including inductive loops, infrared, and microwave sensors. These systems provide comprehensive data on vehicle and pedestrian movements, allowing for dynamic adjustments to signal timings. This integration leads to smoother traffic flow and fewer congestion-related delays.

Predictive Maintenance Capabilities:
By leveraging our proprietary connectivity platforms, LEOTEK’s solutions enable real-time monitoring of traffic signal performance. Our systems can detect anomalies early and trigger maintenance alerts, ensuring that your traffic management infrastructure remains operational with minimal downtime.

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Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that every product is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern transportation systems. With LEOTEK, you can achieve improved road safety, reduced congestion, and optimized traffic flow.

9. Conclusion

Traffic light sensors play a pivotal role in modernizing traffic management systems. By detecting vehicles and pedestrians in real time, these sensors enable adaptive signal control that enhances both traffic efficiency and road safety. From inductive loops to infrared, microwave, and video detection systems, each technology offers unique benefits and faces specific challenges.

Despite the complexities involved in installation, maintenance, and integration, the advantages provided by these systems are undeniable. They reduce congestion, optimize travel times, and create safer intersections—all of which contribute to a more efficient urban environment.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and wireless communication will only further enhance the capabilities of traffic light sensors. As part of broader smart city initiatives, these systems will help create interconnected, sustainable urban landscapes that respond dynamically to real-time conditions.

For transportation authorities, city planners, and technology providers, investing in advanced traffic sensor technologies is an essential step toward building smarter, safer, and more efficient road networks.

Furthermore, innovative solutions like those offered by LEOTEK provide a competitive edge. Our smart LED traffic signals, integrated sensor systems, and predictive maintenance capabilities exemplify the future of traffic management—where technology and data work together to revolutionize how our roads function.

10. References

In , Lester Wire, a young police officer in Salt Lake City, came up with an idea. What if there was a tool to regulate cars at intersections instead of patrol officers, who needed to spend hours rooted to a platform through rain, heat, and hail?

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Wire came up with a wooden box on a pole. It had two light bulbs inside, colored red and green. The box was connected to electricity so the light bulbs could be switched from one to the other with the press of a button. That’s something patrol officers could do from a booth at the side of the road.

Since then, traffic light signals have evolved a bit. We now have yellow and don’t need a patrol officer to press a button. But the original concept has remained largely the same — traffic lights change on a pre-programmed schedule.

However, the state of our roads in the twenty-first century is much different than it was 100 years ago. We have more cars, bigger road networks, higher population densities, and constant traffic disruptions.

Perhaps it’s time to rethink the old and introduce a smarter traffic light system.

What is a smart traffic light?

A smart traffic light is an internet-connected vehicle traffic control system capable of adapting traffic light controls based on information collected from sensors, edge devices, and video systems.

At the intersection, smart traffic lights look the same as regular traffic lights except for extra hardware elements such as IoT sensors and/or connected CCTV cameras. On the back end, smart traffic light systems are connected to a cloud-based traffic management platform. They are often powered by predictive algorithms for dynamically adjusting traffic signals.

A quick disclaimer before we go any further: A smart traffic light system can’t miraculously fix all road issues, such as congestion, accidents, and rule violations. But they are a better preventive measure than traditional traffic lights.

As Dan Saffer, an author and the Creative Director at Smart Design, says:

Traffic lights are only a mechanical prop, a signifier of a social contract we’ve agreed to (and have written into law).

Apart from a potential fine (and good conscience), nothing stops people from red-light running (RLR) on empty intersections — and drivers do that a lot. In New York City, more red-light violations were recorded in than in any year since . Accident rates also went up, which is problematic.

Why do people violate traffic signal rules?

Scientists agree that violations are highly contextual. The exact reasons vary, but they often fall into one of these categories:

• Intersection layout and rules. The type of intersection, signal countdown timers, signal mounting configurations, and signal timing are some of the factors that can prompt drivers to bend the rules (when no one’s watching).
• Road user behavior. When drivers see others breaking the rules, they’re inclined to follow suit. Seeing a preceding vehicle or a vehicle in an adjacent lane passing through the intersection on yellow is strongly associated with RLR.
• Variable circumstances. The time of day, day of the week, and weather conditions also affect RLR rates. People are more likely to engage in RLR in the mornings between 06:00 and 12:00 — in other words, when they’re likely in a rush or running late.

Smart traffic light systems cannot fully discourage people from breaking traffic rules, but they can make it less tempting.

With adaptive traffic signal control (ATSC), you can program dynamic rules for signal changes based on conditions and better detect RLR at busy intersections. Smart traffic signs can also adjust recommended speed limits based on the weather or road conditions to improve traffic throughput. Intelligent traffic lights, in turn, can adjust signal timing based on the volume of vehicles at different intersections and variable factors such as the time of day. Such a setup can ensure smooth traffic flows and reduce the number of situations when breaking traffic rules seems appealing (or undetectable).

For city managers, intelligent new traffic lights are a much-needed alternative to manual or rule-based signal controls.

Many cities operate traffic management centers that are hives of activity akin to a busy urban air traffic control operation. But appearances are somewhat deceiving, given that the traffic engineers have limited tools available to manipulate their signal networks to respond in real-time.

Urban traffic managers can (and should) integrate smart signaling into an intelligent transportation system. Merging the two enables users to exercise algorithmic, context-driven control over the city’s transport grid through one interface. The best part? Digital traffic signals can be dynamically adjusted in real time across the entire network to:

• Give priority to public transport and improve scheduling
• Provide special controls for emergency services vehicles
• Instruct last-mile commercial fleets to optimize delivery routes
• Alleviate signs of congestion at the onset

That’s some blissful city to live in, right?

Sadly, only a fraction of new traffic signals today are smart. Traffic light hardware can last for up to 30 years if well-maintained. But among new traffic signals, few are (or can be) connected to cameras, radar systems, or sensors. And those that do have basic sensing capabilities often can’t detect cyclists or pedestrians.

Fortunately, this is changing. Urban planners — and the general public — realize that standard traffic light systems need extra wits as more connected cars and electric commercial fleets hit the roads.

As part of a £30m investment in better urban connectivity, the city of Manchester is testing an AI traffic lights system. The city is installing a network of edge devices for collecting real-time road data on each junction and plans to use 5G technology for dispatching data to the cloud for analysis.

London, in partnership with Siemens, is testing a real-time adaptive traffic signals control (ATSC) solution called Sitraffic FUSION that is powered by data from connected vehicles and connected road infrastructure. Sitraffic FUSION can detect, model, and optimize routes for all modes of transport around the set KPIs. The system also includes a traffic light algorithm for optimizing controls on signalized junctions and pedestrian crossings.

Many more cities are looking into modernizing their traffic controls — and that means plenty of opportunities for new market entrants.

How do smart traffic lights work?

Smart traffic signals are equipped with sensing, video capture, and connectivity technologies to collect real-time data from the environment. The obtained data is either pre-processed on the device or transmitted to a cloud-based transport management system, where it’s processed by a predictive traffic light algorithm that generates instructions for signal adjustments.

A standard smart traffic light system has two elements:

• Roadside unit
• Cloud control center

Smart traffic light hardware

A smart roadside traffic light unit still has the familiar three-light interface — and some extra goodies.

• Connectivity modules — Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, V2X, GPS
  • Modern traffic lights must be capable of collecting and exchanging data with connected cars, onboard vehicle computers, telematics systems, cloud-based traffic platforms, and mobile travel or driving apps.
• Sensors — variable specifications
  • Radar/LiDAR
  • Speed detection
  • Weather sensors
  • Emissions capture sensors
• Connected cameras with real-time traffic detection capabilities
  • Red-light running monitoring
  • Pedestrian and traffic flow detection
  • Vehicle detection for traffic counts
  • Accident detection
• Onboard computer — variable specifications
  • Dynamic smart signals require an edge device with sufficient processing power to pre-process captured traffic data and execute adaptive controls.

The exact configuration differs by manufacturer. Some smart traffic lights have more advanced sensing capabilities; others just rely on camera footage. NoTraffic, for example, uses IoT sensors that rely on radar and computer vision for smart signaling and also captures car data in C-V2X and DSRC formats.

Cloud control center

On the software side, a smart traffic light system can process data in two ways: on-device (on the edge) or in a cloud location.

On-edge road data pre-processing reduces latency. With suitable hardware, you can run baseline traffic conditions analysis on a smart traffic light device. For example, such roadside units can:

• Analyze vehicle movements at intersections to detect violations
• Count vehicles to adjust signal timing
• Estimate emissions levels to inform urban planners

On-edge processing is a pillar for implementing adaptive traffic signals control (ATSC) — real-time traffic signal adjustments based on the current road situation. ATSC systems can reduce average travel times by 25%, shorten signal wait times by 40%, and lower emissions by 20% according to Carnegie Mellon University.

Next, digital traffic signals can dispatch pre-processed and raw data to a connected cloud-based control center, such as an intelligent transport system (ITS). Here you can perform more advanced modeling and predictive analysis to stave off traffic congestion and harmonize public transport schedules.

Likewise, you can use historical data collected by edge devices to build advanced models for:

• Traffic prediction
• Parking management
• Multimodal transportation planning
• Mobility as a service (MaaS) solutions

Must-have features for a smart traffic light system

Smart traffic light technology adds a new dimension of real-time control — and many good things come as a result:

• Reduced travel times. The average American spends 58 hours per year waiting at traffic lights. Smarter controls can make people and goods move faster through city arteries.
• Less pollution. Idling cars emit 30 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. Reduced wait times and fewer traffic jams translate to cleaner air.
• Fewer road accidents. About 90% of road accidents happen primarily due to traffic violations. Smarter traffic light systems can minimize the temptation to bend the rules.
• Higher public transport ridership. Prioritized signals for public transportation can make public transport more attractive. In New York City, for example, a 15-minute shorter commute translates to 25% higher rail service usage.

To provide the above benefits to urban planners, future traffic lights should include the following four features.

Adaptive traffic signals control (ATSC) for urban traffic

Predictive algorithms operating at the back end of a smart traffic light system can find effective solutions to complex traffic management problems. Such systems can correlate traffic signaling rules with violation or accident rates — and model risk-minimizing scenarios with higher precision than a human traffic manager could (plus do so in real time).

Over time, a predictive smart traffic lights system can rely on sensors and visual data alone to make on-the-spot decisions and control traffic movements.

Case in point: A group of German researchers recently collaborated with city planners in Lemgo on an AI program for traffic light management. The team used a set of high-resolution cameras and radar sensors to capture traffic data. Then they trained a deep learning algorithm to regulate signaling at a busy intersection.

The algorithm was tasked with estimating the optimal switching behavior for the traffic lights and the best phase sequence to reduce:

• Waiting times at the intersection
• Average journey times in the area
• Noise and CO2 emissions

During the simulation run, the algorithm managed to achieve a 10% to 15% improvement in traffic throughput in the tested area.

Integrated Emergency Vehicle Signal Preemption (EVSP)

Emergency vehicles need priority access to the roads. The chance of survival is reduced by 7% to 10% for every minute emergency medical assistance is delayed. Likewise, the consequences of delayed arrival of police, firefighters, and other emergency services can be grave.

Yet emergency vehicles often get stuck in heavy traffic where drivers have to move aside to let the emergency go through. A signaling system with a smart emergency vehicle traffic light changer can address the matter in four ways:

• Update signaling to help emergency vehicles move faster
• Change the grid signals to divert vehicles from an affected area
• Implement prioritized signaling near emergency vehicle garages, parking lots, or stations
• Inform drivers in advance about a passing emergency vehicle to give them extra time for maneuvering

Case in point: A recent US study of smart traffic signal preemption for emergency vehicles found some interesting insights.

• In Fairfax County, Virginia, a preemption system enabled emergency vehicles to pass busy areas faster and with fewer conflicts, saving 30 to 45 seconds per intersection.
• In the city of Plano, a similar solution reduced the average number of emergency vehicle intersection crashes from 2.3 per year to less than one every five years.
• The city of Plano also managed to maintain the same response times with fewer fire and EMS stations in the area.

Eco-driving mode

Vrooming engines at busy intersections create a layer of noise and air pollution. Plus, they make areas with busy intersections less desirable for urban dwellers — a factor that also affects a neighborhood’s economic development.

Smart traffic signals can help reduce vehicle idle time and promote more sustainable driving habits. A group of Taiwanese scientists carefully documented a set of eco-driving traffic light regulation models that can be implemented in sensor-based traffic light systems.

Source: MDPI — Design and Implementation of a Smart Traffic Signal Control System for Smart City Applications

Their findings have already been put into action by the PTV Group in Taipei. The PTV Balance software platform can detect changes in traffic patterns and suggest smart stop light signals for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Taipei authorities tested the platform in two districts, Neihu and Nangang. The results were impressive:

• 7.9% overall improvement in average travel time
• 12.6% reduction in travel delays on weekdays and public holidays
• 318,269 liters per year in fuel savings
• 101.1mt/year reduction in CO emissions and 720.2 mt/year reduction in CO2 emissions

Micro-mobility priority service

Micromobility vehicles such as bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters are a growing part of the MaaS ecosystem. But they also present extra road hazards, both for pedestrians and drivers. In the first half of , e-scooter crashes in London grew by 2,800% compared to the entirety of .

As the use of personal and shared micromobility solutions surges, their movements must be better regulated. Smart traffic light systems should factor in these road players and create better controls for them.

For maximum safety, it’s best to adopt a two-step mechanism:

• Detect and recognize vehicles via smart traffic light video systems for traffic signal adjustments
• Alert nearby drivers of micromobility riders using V2X-based updates or signal phase and timing (SPaT) messaging

Peek Traffic has developed an interesting smart mobility solution for regulating cyclists and pedestrians They aim to connect all road users to an intelligent traffic control system via an ITS app. The app, in turn, sends signals to a smart traffic light control system. So when a vulnerable pedestrian attempts to cross the street, the app can issue an update to a connected traffic light so that it automatically adjusts the signal lengths. The same app can also inform the traffic light system about approaching cyclists to adjust the timing for them. Such dynamic traffic lights on cycling roads make bike use more attractive, which carries lots of benefits.

Smart Signaling for Safer Mobility

The impact of smart traffic light systems extends beyond mere driver convenience; it can create a cascade of positive effects:

• Prioritized signaling can make multimodal transportation more attractive and increase public transport use and profitability.
• Less traffic congestion and pollution paired with greater road safety makes certain neighborhoods more attractive for new residents.
• Prioritized emergency vehicle signal preemption increases the speed and efficiency of urban service providers (and reduces their operating costs).
• Integration of micromobility regulations increases safety on the roads and encourages more people to leave their cars behind.
• Finally, less congestion makes commercial deliveries faster, offering economic benefits for the area.

Given that our current traffic control systems are over a century old, updates are overdue.

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