For London motorists who have looked at Hamilton's synchronized traffic lights with envy, there is hope a similar system will soon be implemented here.
The Civic Works Committee unanimously gave the green light Tuesday to hiring consulting firm LEA Consulting Ltd. to find a new intelligent transportation system for the city. The so-called smart traffic signal system would use real-time video monitoring to ease congestion by continuously adjusting to changing traffic volumes.
"[The consulting firm] will look at as well, developing a traffic control centre where we would potentially utilize cameras to look at the existing conditions out there, accidents that are out there, also looking to provide real time information back to our drivers. So if there was a blockage in a certain area we would be able to convey that information back to drivers so they can take alternative routes," London’s Director of Roads and Transportation Edward Soldo told politicians.
Soldo also noted the project would move the city's traffic control system "into the next century."
The cost to hire the consulting firm is pegged at $135,860, excluding HST.
Currently, there are 396 traffic signals in London with two to four new signals added each year. Each traffic signal is equipped with a microcomputer to control the operation of the signal and the microcomputers are managed by a traffic signal system that was installed in 2003.
While the current traffic signal system has been kept up-to-date, it operates via typical traffic volumes instead of adapting to real time congestion and traffic situations. The new system is also key to London's rapid transit plan.
"It is a separate initiative but it does feed into the rapid transit. Those corridors would likely be the first ones to see any upgrades, any changes because part of what we are looking at is improved transit priority. That can benefit regular transit as well as rapid transit," said Shane Maguire, division manager of roadway lighting and traffic control.
A portion of the funding for the intelligent transportation system would come from the rapid transit initiative.
"I am looking forward to driving across the city and getting nothing but green lights when the traffic lights are synchronized and I'm looking forward to see how this is integrated into the entire rapid transit plan," said Mayor Matt Brown.
The decision to hire the consulting firm goes onto city council next week. If final approval is given, Maguire is optimistic part of the new system could be up and running by the end of next year.