Trucks “talk” to traffic lights in trial to relieve Sydney’s most congested roads
AN innovative trial on some of Sydney’s busiest roads will see trucks “talking” to traffic lights in a bid to relieve congestion.
Parramatta
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AN innovative trial on some of Sydney’s most congested roads will see trucks “talking” to traffic lights.
The NSW Government trial will use connected technology to reduce the times trucks will have to stop at traffic lights, and should speed up the commute for other road users.
Participating freight vehicles will be given priority at traffic lights using a new application of the Sydney co-ordinated Adaptive Traffic System.
The three-month trial will be across 40 kilometres of important freight routes including Pennant Hills, Parramatta and King Georges roads.
Pennant Hills Rd at Beecroft Rd, had an average 32,000 daily vehicle movements this year to date according to the Roads and Maritime Services traffic volume viewer and 16 per cent of them are trucks.
While the nearest traffic counter on Parramatta Rd, Five Dock tallies 37,000 vehicles a day with 10 per cent of that quote being heavy vehicles.
The trial will include 112 trucks fitted with the technology engaging with 99 intersections. It expands on the existing system which already gives late-running buses priority on Sydney roads.
It sends an automatic signal that extends the green light and is then notified once the truck has crossed the intersection.
Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said while there was no “magic bullet” when it comes to road congestion, these initiatives “go a long way”.
“Heavy vehicles take a long time to stop and start which can cause delays for all road users,” Mrs Pavey said.
There are already talks to expand the technology to emergency vehicles.
“The opportunities are vast, with Sydney’s freight set to double over the next 40 years … we have to look outside the box.”