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Urban traffic control systems
SummaryFirst principles assesmentEvidence on performancePolicy contributionComplementary instrumentsReferences

Policy contribution

Contribution to key objectives

Objective

SCOOT

UTOPIA

UTMS

SCATS

Efficiency

5

5

 
 

Liveable streets

-

-

 
 

Protection of the environment

2

2

 
 

Equity and social inclusion

2

3

 
 

Safety

1

-

 
 

Economic growth

-

-

 
 

Finance

-3

-3

 
 

Contribution to alleviation of key problems

Problem

SCOOT

UTOPIA

UTMS

SCATS

Congestion-related delay

5

5

 
 

Congestion-related unreliability

4

4

 
 

Community severance

-

-

 
 

Visual intrusion

-

-

 
 

Lack of amenity

-

-

 
 

Global warming

3

3

 
 

Local air pollution

3

3

 
 

Noise

-

-

 
 

Reduction of green space

-

-

 
 

Damage to environmentally sensitive sites

-

-

 
 

Poor accessibility for those without a car and those with mobility impairments

2

3

 
 

Disproportionate disadvantaging of particular social or geographic groups

-

-

 
 

Number, severity and risk of accidents

1

-

 
 

Suppression of the potential for economic activity in the area

-

-

 
 

Appropriate contexts

UTC systems are typically implemented in dense urban road networks area over which traffic conditions are monitored by loop detectors and controlled by traffic signals. However the system is also suitable for small networks. It is particularly effective where traffic flows are unpredictable e.g. random changes in traffic patterns such as often occur in popular tourist areas.

When junctions are some distance apart (more than about 1 km) isolated junction control using a system such as MOVA may be more appropriate. Other site-specific factors would also influence the decision on method of control. MOVA (Microprocessor Vehicle Actuation) is a modern microprocessor technology for isolated intersections to optimise signal timings.

Appropriate area-types

Area-types

Suitability

City centre

5

Dense inner suburb

4

Medium density suburb

3

Less dense outer suburb

2

District centre

3

Corridor

1

Small town

-

Tourist town

3


Adverse side-effects

If congestion is reduced sufficiently to allow increased speed, risk of accidents will increase. There are no specific safety features unique to most UTC systems. However, longer inter-greens for pedestrians will be effective for safety, so that pedestrian facilities can be required. In principle information from pedestrian detectors could be included in the optimisation process for traffic responsive systems.

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Text edited at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT