Developing a Traffic Monitoring Tool for Early Traffic Intervention

Developing a traffic monitoring tool to help traffic police identify regions of potential traffic jams and conflicts for early intervention

Objective

• Phase 1: Base level automated traffic congestion alert system. Phase 2: Early detection of congestion. Phase 3: Detect events that can lead to traffic jam.

Description

• Traffic congestions (or jams) are a common occurrence in metropolitan roads, especially in Chennai. These congestions result in losses both monetary, in terms of the man-hours spent on road along with the fuel and transportation cost, and health, where travelers become both the source and the recipient of the air pollution. These lead to the drivers being at higher risk of accidents due to aggressive driving and denser flows. Hence, timely intervention to mitigate traffic congestions is of top priority for the traffic police department in these cities. We propose a technology-based solution for this problem in a phased manner.

Impact

• Traffic congestions can be relieved if interventions are deployed early. Our proposed early warning system will help police arrive at the area of congestion early to mitigate the traffic situation in that area. Reduction of travel time through interventions will increase quality of life for the commuters and the people living in that area.