VivaCity to assist Nottingham with AI sensors enhancing traffic management and monitoring

Nottingham City Council has joined forces with VivaCity, a pioneering transport technology company, to introduce 219 advanced sensors throughout the city. These cutting-edge sensors incorporate a blend of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), traffic monitoring and Smart Signal Control system functionalities.

Employing state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI), these sensors collect precise, comprehensive and anonymised data around the clock. This data encompasses various transportation methods, traffic patterns and commuting durations. This information serves as a foundation for strategic insights, empowering informed decisions to elevate the transport network and enhance urban infrastructure in the city.

The technology is equipped with the capability to distinguish between various vehicle types, ranging from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and coaches to bicycles and pedestrians. The real-time reception of this data significantly bolsters the ability to promptly formulate decisions, thereby ensuring a seamless flow of traffic throughout Nottingham.

The technology will additionally empower the council to comprehend the impact of varying transportation mode volumes on pollution levels, as Audra Wynter, portfolio holder for highways, transport and parks, explains: “Our city needs the best, latest technology to help us in our fight to become carbon neutral by 2028. To help us monitor traffic flow and analyse the behaviours of road users in the area, we’re looking forward to working with VivaCity to help make accurate decisions on future schemes and to reduce pollution in the heart of our city.“

The inaugural ‘Smart Junction’ situated at the Ring Road’s intersection with Aspley Lane will leverage VivaCity’s sensor technology. This integration will enhance the responsiveness of traffic signals based on real-time traffic conditions, effectively reducing waiting durations.

Pending its success, the implementation of additional smart junctions throughout the network is envisioned. Notably, the technology will undergo continuous upgrades as novel functionalities are developed. The ongoing enhancement includes the expansion of AI capabilities to encompass a wider array of vehicle types, encompassing taxis, minibuses and mobility scooters.