Smart signals, a smart move for better traffic

BANGALORE: Unmanageable traffic in the city would soon get a breather as Bangalore will be the first city in the country to have a virtual Area Traffic Control (ATC) system, reaffirming the use of technology to transform traditional ways of policing.The system (ATC), which is due to be implemented within the next few weeks, will help monitor traffic issues and enable the police to better manage traffic snarls for a smoother ride. “Unlike the previous ATCs, the new ATC’s function will be on a virtual loop,” said Praveen Sood, Additional Commissioner (Traffic). According to Sood, by the end of July, four traffic signals on MG Road; Queen’s Statue Circle (JDP junction), Anil Kumble Circle, Cauvery junction (Brigade Road) and Webbs junction (Dickinson Road), will be equipped with cameras that will survey the number of vehicles and depending on the density it will automatically adjust the duration of the traffic signal to avoid delay and congestion.But this has not been the only employment of technology by the police.The TransformationThe Blackberry phones, which came into use over four years ago, were used to maintain a history of past traffic offences and also issue tickets to traffic rule violators. But there was an ‘urge’ for technology as they (traffic police) needed to reach out to the larger populace. The construction of flyovers and widening roads by civic agencies, to manage the ‘growing chaos’ of traffic was not the only answer, as traffic police have pursued the use of technology not just to better manage traffic, but also provide adequate amount of information to the driver, to ensure that he stands beneficial from their ‘savvy’ ways.Traffic updates, that came as an early warning or planning system, for the driver, on popular radio stations is one such example to help commuters better manage their time for better things, than spend it at traffic signals. “The radio updates are most regular during morning and evening peak hours. Apart from that we do also send out regular messages which aim at creating awareness about traffic and safety rules and regulations,” said ACP Pasha, from Traffic Management Centre.According to Hamsini, an avid radio listener, the updates help a lot. “If there is a traffic jam on the route that I have to take, I reroute my commute to save time and stress. The update works well as it gives prior information about the traffic situation,” she said.The Variable Message Sign boards in the city, that were installed almost seven months ago also work on the same principle. There are 20 such boards that have been strategically placed across the city. Like the radio, these LED boards also inform the driver about traffic congestion and jams. “Apart from informing the commuter about the traffic snarls, we also give live updates about traffic incidents and special events like a cricket match in the city,” informed Pasha.He further added that live updates from the traffic surveillance cameras, field officers and the public aid in providing accurate information about the routes and areas that are jammed. The police have also employed the use of SMS services to inform the general public on unforeseen traffic snarls at various signals.