Exploitable results Path Flow Estimator; PFE The PFE is a one-stage network that supports urban traffic management and control. Given data from vehicle detectors and other forms of sensor, path flows and path travel times are inferred on the basis of a logic path choice model. The interplay between the logic model and the link cost functions allows the delays incurred by congestion to be taken into account. The most significant paths in the network are generated by an approximate steepest descent column generation method. A time-dependent PFE has been formulated to better represent the transitory congested conditions. The PFE offers an efficient method to estimate traffic conditions for mixed urban/freeway networks both statically (one- shot estimation) and pseudo-dynamically. The PFE provides path-specific flow and travel time data based on stochastic user equilibrium traffic assignment theory. It has already been validated in a number of different scenarios as a useful instrument to determine path flows and path journey times, as well as link delays and link flows where these are not directly measured. The market for this system is international, wherever traffic management is crucial. However, the system must find acceptance with the operators and be further developed. In work carried out recently the PFE has been extended to better represent transient overloading during peak periods. The market for the PFE can be identified as the worldwide market for traffic control. The PFE can have a role to play in new traffic management systems, but this will depend on two main conditions: -Acceptance of the need for advanced technologies by the operators. -Continued development and testing of the product. Results from the COSMOS trials show that installation costs are relatively low, but the quality of the results is largely dependent on the availability of sufficient detection equipment. The Transport Operations Research Group (TORG) must fulfil the second condition in order to ensure that the product maintains its lead position. An important function of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is the on-line monitoring of network conditions and the possibility to reconstruct the traffic patterns of the network from historical data. The PFE can fulfil these requirements. From a theoretical point of view it has several advantages with respect to conventional Origin -Destination (OD) estimators. The PFE can run on a variety of platforms and the efficient use of memory and optimised algorithmic solutions mean that large networks can be handled in real time. Potential clients/users are: -Local authorities responsible for UTC. -Producers of traffic monitoring and control systems. -Transport planners. Project URL: http://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/sergio.grosso/PFE/pfe.html Congestion Management Strategies and Methods in Urban Sites; COSMOS COSMOS demonstrates new components for traffic congestion and incident detection which are integrated in advanced traffic signal control systems. Three of the most advanced world-wide traffic signal control systems (SCOOT, UTOPIA and MOTION) will be enhanced with special modules for managing congestion and traffic incidents along with strategies for re-routing. These components, which are being validated in London, Piraeus and Turin, will allow traffic and transport operators to manage more efficiently urban congestion and incidents upon their detection, while offering traffic re-routing alternatives. Enhanced method for the optimisation of traffic signals in on-line controlled networks - MOTION In COSMOS, the MOTION UTC system has been enhanced to include incident and congestion detection and management. The result is a powerful tool covering the main tasks for on-line signal control and for incident detection used for traffic management. Currently, the enhanced system is deployed in the city centre of Piraeus, Greece. Traffic flow management systems, like MOTION, help to overcome traffic jams and congestion. One major need is flexible and adaptive traffic flow management, especially concerning incident detection. By optimising the signal programs in the network on-line, traffic flow and travel times are improved and traffic related emissions are reduced. Good results in the test network of Piraeus (with 20 intersections) show improved travel times on routes in the network and a reduction in network congestion. There is a worldwide market, defined by cities with Urban Traffic Control systems (UTC) and demand for adaptive traffic management systems due to growing individual traffic and negative environmental effects. Right now most of the intersections in urban areas are controlled with fixed time programs without optimisation of the traffic control process. Simultaneously, there are traffic jams every day during the morning and evening peaks. Due to growing road traffic world wide, there is a need for improving traffic control and using the capacity that is still in the road network. Another point for intelligent UTC systems like MOTION is the reduction of congestion in urban areas, which have got benefits for the drivers (less travel time) and the residents (less emission). For these reasons, MOTION has a positive and increasing business perspective during the next years. The main features of the MOTION system are: - Network Monitoring: the traffic flow within the region covered by detectors can be monitored. New modules detect incidents and congestion in the road network; - MOTION Signal Control: signal programs are calculated on-line on the basis of detector data in order to optimise the traffic flow in the network; - Incident and Congestion Management: in case of detected incidents and congestion the system automatically calculates new signal programs to reduce congestion. Searching for OpenAIRE data... There was an error trying to search data from OpenAIRE No results available
