COMPUTERISED CO-ORDINATION OF TRAFFIC: PACTS

Benefits can accrue with the co-ordination of traffic signals with regard to travel time, delay reduction and fuel savings. Primitive systems are restricted to the use of historical data, which may not reflect actual conditions. The use of computer supervision and current traffic data collection can optimise the parameters used at any time to give better control. The effects of traffic loading, intersection design and spacing have a marked influence on the behaviour of the co-ordinated system. Some of these aspects are discussed to guide road designers towards producing conditions for better co-ordination using the PACTS system. (Author/TRRL)