TRANSPOLIS now equipped with Intelligent Traffic Lights for testing connected driving

Connected Driving (or C-ITS) is the term used to describe technologies which allows vehicles to communicate with each other, and with the infrastructure and other parts of the transport network. In addition to what drivers can immediately see around them, and what vehicle sensors can detect, all parts of the transport system will increasingly be able to share information to improve decision making. The main idea is therefore to make vehicles and infrastructure act as a team adapting to each other and to the situation, creating optimized mobility conditions. Thus, this technology can improve road safety through avoiding collisions, but also assists in reducing congestion and improving traffic flows, and reduce environmental impacts.([1])

 Following this movement and supported by technological partners like Lacroix and Neavia, Transpolis has equipped its test areas with an experimental platform that includes infrastructures, means of testing and measuring and modular technologies. This city-laboratory is made available to developers from around the world who are interested in mobility and want to test new solutions and uses in a realistic, scripted environment that is fully supervised and secure.

 One of these equipments is 10 LACROIX Intelligent Traffic Lights connected to 2 roadside units (RSU). Via this connection, the traffic light can broadcast information to nearby vehicles. The messages (MAP and SPaT types) include information about the topology of the intersection and the phase schedule of each traffic light signal. Approaching vehicles equipped with an On Board Unit can receive this information and calculate the optimal approaching speed. The system is tested according to different realistic situations: Multi-Lane Traffic Light (Turn Left), Multi Traffic Lights Crossing, Curve Testing and Timing Variability Testing.

Experiments, such as GLOSA[2] project, are therefore carried out in configurations on modular infrastructures that adapt to particular needs (traffic conditions, environmental factors, fixed and movable obstacles, signs, infrastructures, etc.). As a complement, the TRANSPOLIS experts offer technical support upstream for establishing experimental plans and specific usage scenarios; throughout testing, they track protocols.

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[1] * Source : https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/its/c-its_en

[2] GLOSA = Green light optimized speed advisory