Traffic congestion is a challenge in cities around the world, causing longer travel times, higher fuel consumption, and environmental impacts. Engineers and town planners around the world have turned to smart traffic advanced technology to address this issue. One standout solution is SCATS – the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System, which adjusts traffic signals in real time using data from road sensors.
So, what makes SCATS different from traditional traffic light system? Find out more about it here.
How SCATS works
Traditional traffic lights operate on fixed timers based on historical data. In contrast, SCATS adapts signal timings using inductive loop detectors embedded in the road, which gather vehicle density data. These devices constantly gather data on vehicle flow, speed, and density, providing a real-time view of traffic conditions at each intersection.
Local controllers at individual intersections receive this data and calculate the best signal timings. They determine when to prolong a green phase to clear a growing queue or when to shorten it if traffic is light. At the same time, each local controller is connected to a central system that monitors the broader network. This central hub coordinates adjustments across multiple intersections to balance traffic loads and prevent bottlenecks.
Continuous feedback is a key feature of SCATS. For example, if an intersection experiences a sudden increase in vehicles, the system swiftly adjusts the signal to manage the influx, then returns to normal once conditions stabilise. This responsive design not only cuts down delays but also improves road safety by lessening abrupt stops and starts that can lead to accidents.
Engineering urban mobility in Australia
Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne have adopted SCATS widely, with Brisbane specifically, transitioned from its legacy BLISS system. As urban populations increase, fixed traffic signals would struggle to cope with the surge in vehicles. SCATS and similar systems can be updated and expanded without requiring complete replacements.
The advantages of Australia’s smart traffic systems are multi-layered. First, they cut down on travel delays and save drivers valuable time. Second, studies suggest adaptive systems like SCATS reduce stop-and-go traffic, which is associated with lower fuel consumption and emissions. Moreover, smoother traffic reduces the likelihood of collisions at busy intersections, therefore making roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Implementing adaptive traffic systems comes with its challenges. The initial setup involves considerable investment, and integrating new systems with existing infrastructure requires careful planning. Ongoing maintenance and continuous data collection are also critical.
Nonetheless, many Australian cities have found that the long-term savings from reduced congestion, lower fuel costs, and fewer accident-related expenses outweigh these initial hurdles. Moreover, emerging trends such as Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) are on the horizon.
C-ITS technology allows vehicles to communicate with one another and with traffic infrastructure. While SCATS remains a cornerstone, Australia is separately exploring C-ITS technologies to enable vehicle-to-infrastructure data sharing, which could complement existing systems.
Engineering is everywhere
Engineering shapes our world, influencing every aspect of our lives: housing, transport, food and drink, technology and communication, art and entertainment, the news media, health, education, finance, and more. Follow this blog series as we continue to explore.
