Modern ITS 'could help tackle road congestion'

Date: 15/9/2011

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee has today (September 15th) released its recommendations on tackling the problem of congestion on the UK's roads.

According to the group, the latest intelligent traffic management systems (ITS), an increased use of real-time information, and improved co-ordination between management authorities in this field are affordable ways to reduce build-ups of traffic.

Introducing a tougher driving test was another proposal put forward in the 'Out of the Jam' report, which endeavoured to find a solution to congestion that did not involve having to increase road pricing or construct more routes.

One of the proposals it has put to the government is investigating the possibilities offered by the latest ITS with input from highway authorities.

In addition, funding for the ITS Toolkit, which was designed to enable such authorities to share best practice and choose the most appropriate ITS for their needs, could be resumed.

A strategy could also be developed that would see real-time information delivered to drivers that shows them which services are managed by local authorities or the Highways Agency and which are the responsibility of private sector groups.

The Freight Transport Association has voiced its support of the proposals, with Malcolm Bingham, Head of Road Network Management Policy at the group, saying: "We urge the government to take up the recommendations made to [the Department for Transport] on the supply of traffic information to allow the freight industry to make better informed choices to deliver goods to customers when the road network is under stress."

Posted by Mary Treen