Smart traffic lights given the green light in Oldham
Date published: 15 August 2018
The smart traffic lights are being installed along Ashton Road. Picture courtesy of Google Street View
Road users in Oldham are set to benefit from quicker journeys thanks to the installation of sophisticated smart traffic lights as part of a programme to cut congestion.
The lights, which are being installed along Ashton Road, use two systems: SCOOT and MOVA.
SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique) enables groups of traffic signals in busy areas to work together so that traffic flow is smoother and congestion reduced.
Sensors pick up traffic data and use it to synchronise the lights so capacity is increased and delays reduced.
Studies have shown SCOOT has increased traffic performance by up to 15% compared to a fixed time system.
MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) works on the same principle but is used at standalone junctions.
If a road is clear the system attempts to minimise delays at the lights by changing more frequently.
If the road is congested the system prioritises through flow to boost capacity.
As part of the recent Congestion Deal poorly timed traffic signals were identified as one of the top five reasons for traffic congestion by members of the public.
Having an intelligent and integrated traffic management system is one of the key ways congestion can be reduced in the city-region.
The lights are a part of a wider £5.6m scheme, funded by Local Growth Deal Funding, to install smart traffic lights across Greater Manchester.
The investment will mean 70% of Greater Manchester’s signal controlled junctions will have smart traffic lights.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Head of Highways, said: “Everyone knows that traffic levels change throughout the day, but often older style signals remain static – or have to be manually changed.
"To ensure traffic keeps on flowing we need traffic lights and junctions that constantly adapt and change so that people’s journeys are smoother, shorter and as stress-free as possible.”
Councillor Alex Ganotis, GMCA lead for environment, green spaces and air quality said: “Ensuring traffic flows smoothly throughout the day is critical and the introduction of these new systems is a vital part of ensuring that this is the case.
“There is no silver bullet to address congestion overnight, but by taking steps like this we can make real progress. Less congestion means less stress and cleaner air – as well as supporting local businesses and the regional economy.”
Local Growth Deals provide funds to local enterprise partnerships or LEPs (partnerships between local authorities and businesses) for projects that benefit the local area and economy.
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