Intelligent Transport System goes live in Scotland

Date: 5/12/2012

The first (ITS) Intelligent Transport System in Scotland has gone live, making up part of the project which will provide a new crossing over the Forth.

As vehicles travel along the M90 they are now monitored by a series of sensors, which show where traffic congestion occurs.

Measures are then introduced at busy times, such as lowering the speed limit, thus reducing traffic jams and minimising the carbon emitted.

The sensors were switched on for the first time during rush hour on Tuesday as commuters made their way across the Forth Road Bridge.

Plans to extend the ITS network will see the M9 and M9 spur near Kirkliston have the technology fitted early in 2013.

In total it will stretch for 13 miles from the Halbeath junction to West Lothian and the M9 Newbridge junction by the time the new bridge is completed in 2016.

Keith Brown, Scottish Transport Minister, said: "The Forth Replacement Crossing is a flagship project for the Scottish Government's determination to invest in our national infrastructure and, in turn, protect and grow our economy. And it is already delivering."

He went onto say that the project is about more than just an impressive feat of engineering, but improving the provision for crossing the Forth.

This should lead to more efficient travel with a better flow of traffic, leading to journey times becoming more reliable, improved safety and better public transport.

Mr Brown also highlighted the importance of explaining the changes to the public who use the roads and the crossing on a regular basis.

Information has been disseminated through both radio and online awareness campaigns and supplemented with 17 overhead gantries on the M90.

These inform drivers of the variable speed limits which are being put in place in response to the data gathered on areas of congestion.

Mr Brown said that the flagship project is currently running both on time and on budget.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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