Traffic management planning tool launched by TRL

Date: 7/10/2011

Operators of traffic control centres have received a helping hand in the work they do, in the form of TEST - Tool for Evaluating Strategies for Traffic.

The latest offering from TRL (Transport Research Laboratory), TEST uniquely integrates real-time signal control mechanisms - such as SCOOT (Split Cycle and Offset Optimisation Technique) - with PTV's VISSIM micro-simulation package.

This is a microscopic simulation program that allows operators to replicate various traffic scenarios and measure their effectiveness before implementing them.

Under the Traffic Management Act of 2004, Local Highway Authorities in the UK are required to ensure their planning incorporates more than just their own road network, in order to assess the impact of any of their proposed strategies on neighbouring authorities' roads.

With TEST, they can ask 'what if?' questions pertaining to possible incidents, events and roadworks that could occur, in order to come up with the best strategy for keeping vehicles moving.

This can help to prevent a build-up of congestion, allowing motorists to enjoy a smoother journey and gain a positive perception of that particular road network.

TEST comes with the ability to examine various signal settings and trial options such as lane closures.

Posted by Mary Treen