Improving signalised intersections performance for better built environment

Abstract

Traffic delays are still a significant part of the daily commutes in most urban areas despite significant investments in infrastructure. Policy, design and operational measures are usually taken to reduce emissions from mobile sources by reducing congestion, promoting modal diversity, or using advanced technologies. Although reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency have resulted from proper traffic control, municipalities and public agencies often overlook the need for better traffic control through revised control schemes. Simple changes to traffic control schemes and/or incremental geometric designs improvements is all that is needed to improve traffic system performance without the need for expensive and highly advanced technologies. In this paper, the issue of using proper signal timing plans at signalised intersections and its effect on traffic operations and environment is highlighted. A real-life example is studied. Careful considerations to signal timings parameters resulted in lower traffic delay, reduced emissions, and better fuel consumption efficiency. Copyright 2016 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.