How not to get stuck in a jam

  • | Sunday | 23rd July, 2017

Traffic congestion is the obvious consequence, especially when the scope for expansion of roads is severely limited. Google congestion mapping is also widely used to identify traffic congestion instantly. Real time Passenger Information System: This helps passengers get information on arrival of buses at bus stops and details of movement of buses through mobile phone applications. Use of Multi Function Devices for Enforcement: The traffic police have equipped its officers with handheld Blackberry/Multi functional devices connected to Bluetooth-enabled printers. In such a scenario, there is a need to mitigate the situation through adopting intelligent transportation system in traffic management.

Systematic approach: The system involves collecting information about the current state of the transport network, processing that information and either directly managing the network or allowing people to decide how best to use it. | Photo Credit: K_MURALI_KUMAR more-in Rapid growth of population coupled with the improving socio-economic conditions of people and high concentration of motor vehicles in Bengaluru has contributed to a phenomenal growth of traffic on the roads. Traffic congestion is the obvious consequence, especially when the scope for expansion of roads is severely limited. In such a scenario, there is a need to mitigate the situation through adopting intelligent transportation system in traffic management. Intelligent Transportation System is a collective name for a number of technology-based approaches that are designed to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of transport networks. The system often combines communication, processing and data storage modules to provide integrated travel information and traffic management systems from one or more organisations. The software allows the system to collect information about the current state of the transport network, process that information and either directly manage the network or allow people to decide how best to use the network. Some of the components of ITS in traffic management developed by Bengaluru Traffic Police over the last few years are as follows: Automated Signalling System: Automated signalling is a concept wherein all the signals placed at various junctions of the city are controlled from a Central Hub. A signal at each junction is connected to a controller, which in turn is connected to the Traffic Management Centre (TMC). These controllers can be programmed to perform as per the requirements of specific location and time. 2) Automated Traffic Challaning System: Automated enforcement also known as contactless system of booking of traffic violations was initiated in 2003. In this system, violations recorded through cameras are processed at a Central Automation Centre and notices are sent to the owners of the vehicles. This is a highly transparent method of booking cases against traffic violators. Enforcement Camera System: High resolution cameras placed at various junctions are meant to capture images of vehicles speeding or jumping signals. These cameras are connected to a central server at a Traffic Control Centre using 4 Mbps leased lines. The central server also has the capability to interpret the number plates using alpha-numeric character recognition software. This registration number is matched with the database of the transport department for generating notices to violators. Use of Multi Function Devices for Enforcement: The traffic police have equipped its officers with handheld Blackberry/Multi functional devices connected to Bluetooth-enabled printers. These devices are connected to a central server kept at the State Data Center (SDC). Online booking of violations using BlackBerry/Multi functional devices also ensures tracking of habitual traffic offenders, thus ensuring enhanced punishment for them. In addition, it also tracks down unpaid violation notices issued in the past. Variable Messaging Systems: Message boards mounted on large gantries are being placed at convenient locations for displaying traffic-related information. Information is fed into terminals placed at the TMC from where messages are relayed to the boards using radio frequency waves. The information updates motorists and commuters about the existing traffic scenario to help them avoid snarls and make alternative choices. Parking Information System:All major parking places in the city of Bengaluru, which are computerised, are proposed to be connected to the TMC using web-based services. Real time parking availability status from these places will be relayed to the traffic police website and made accessible to citizens through VMS boards and phones using SMS on a need-to-know basis. Real time Traffic Congestion Mapping: A supplementary mechanism of identifying congestion is by using density of mobile devices under a particular mobile tower. This value is processed for identifying the level of congestion at a particular junction and subsequently the processed data is used to create a real time GIS enabled maps. The higher the number of mobile devices under a particular tower, greater the chances of congestion. Google congestion mapping is also widely used to identify traffic congestion instantly. Real time Passenger Information System: This helps passengers get information on arrival of buses at bus stops and details of movement of buses through mobile phone applications. This system was first introduced by the KSRTC in Mysuru under the Global Environment facility-Sustainable Urban Transport project. Dr. M.A. Saleem is currently Inspector-General of Police, Eastern Range, Davangere, and former Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Bengaluru

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