Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in Traffic Management

Written by Aminu Mohammed 

The industrial revolution in Europe resulted in the development of cities and urbanization thanks to capitalism. The migration of many people from rural to urban areas was motivated by the search for jobs in factories and better means of livelihood. Urbanization was further enhanced by the industrial growth and development that came about as a result of large concentrations of people. These metropolitan areas emerged because of the economic opportunities there, which prompted rural people to move to seek a better life. 

Traffic management had to be introduced by city administrators due to the influx of people from rural communities to urban areas and the increasing population. As cars and other means of transportation were invented in the early 1900s, the movement of people was improved and the need for traffic control was established to guarantee the safety of commuters. 

City administrators worldwide have found it crucial to improve traffic flow to ensure the ease of movement of people and goods. 

Traffic management involves a process and strategies that aim to improve traffic control and safety of urban transportation systems. With absolute accuracy, artificial intelligence can predict the flow of people, cars, trucks, and goods. 

Artificial intelligence tools can be used to optimize traffic control, improve safety for commuters, and reduce accidents. It also has the capacity to analyze large data, and there is no doubt about it.  

Potentials of artificial intelligence in traffic control  

Artificial intelligence is crucial in managing traffic in urban centres. With artificial intelligence devices, traffic managers would have the ability to identify traffic congestion in a given area, which would help them make predictions that would lead to efficient traffic control. As a result, this assists in minimizing congestion and ensuring that all routes are optimally optimized. Traffic planners can utilize the ample data provided by this predictive analysis to make adequate preparations for the future. 

Artificial intelligence devices can assist in recognizing accidents, roadblocks, excessive overtaking, and over speeding. Once identified, traffic managers can send personnel to affected areas for necessary intervention and support 

Using artificial intelligence to manage traffic can improve the safety of commuters on the roads. By identifying high-demand areas and making necessary adjustments, artificial intelligence devices can help ensure an efficient transport system in cities and reduce waiting time for commuters. Environmental concerns and impacts can also be addressed through its use. To curb carbon emissions, monitoring pollution levels and making necessary adjustments is necessary.   

Impact of artificial intelligence in urban transport and mobility   

It is without a doubt that many cities worldwide have implemented artificial intelligence to manage urban traffic. The result has been significant in enhancing urban mobility and reducing congestion, as well as improving the environment. An artificial intelligence system for optimizing traffic has been introduced by Boston, United States, in partnership with Google. Project Green Light is an initiative that uses traffic lights to ensure that traffic signals are timed promptly, especially at intersections, in order to improve traffic flow in highly congested locations. Traffic has decreased by 50 % since the device was introduced, particularly during short periods of movement with constant interruptions.  In addition, the city's carbon emissions have been reduced by 10 %. By deploying it across Boston, it has helped to decrease carbon footprint from vehicles, improving traffic systems, and reducing environmental impacts. 

A few Saudi Arabian cities have implemented smart traffic management to lessen traffic in their urban areas. Artificial intelligence is being used in cities like Makkah, Riyadh, and Jeddah due to the high volume of pilgrims and the difficulties with traffic congestion that arise from the high volume of commuters during the annual pilgrimage. Sensor-driven intelligent traffic control helps with signal timing, pinpoints areas of the city where traffic is congested, and reroutes traffic during rush hours. 

Artificial intelligence devices were thus used in Makkah during the previous Hajj exercise, which significantly improved traffic flow and congestion. Through optimized traffic management, the artificial intelligence device developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the Civil Defense aims to ensure excellent urban infrastructure for the citizens. Additionally, fewer commuter hours spent on the road and increased road safety have been facilitated by the smart traffic management system. This initiative has reduced consumption of petrol by vehicles with less environmental impact. 

Traffic congestion in the UK city of Hull has decreased since Simplifai, in partnership with the city council, introduced artificial intelligence for traffic management. The initiative uses artificial intelligence technology to time traffic in order to improve commuter movement and flow, particularly during peak hours. As a result, the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has changed the city by reducing commuters' time spent on the road by 19%, particularly for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians during peak hours. In a similar vein, by reducing travel, the program has improved environmental sustainability and guaranteed efficiency for road users.

Challenges  

Artificial intelligence (AI) is thought to be a game-changer for efficient traffic control in cities. Privacy concerns are still a concern, though. Some people are concerned about giving access to vast amounts of data, something that may not sit well with certain commuters. The possibility of the artificial intelligence system being compromised by nefarious actors is another worry. This could seriously jeopardize road user safety by impeding traffic control. Furthermore, a significant financial investment is needed for the implementation of artificial intelligence systems, which may be beyond the means of many cities.

Road ahead 

The use of artificial intelligence in traffic management will ensure a better quality of life for commuters and residents. Cities that have deployed artificial intelligence technology are becoming smarter, more efficient, and adequately prepared to manage the issues of urban mobility. Therefore, by ensuring effective traffic flow, curbing emissions as well as improving safety, the deployment of AI can go a long way in enhancing urban growth and development.

With heartfelt gratitude, 

MI4People Team