After Transport for Greater Manchester announced video analytics sensors are to be deployed around the region, Quadrant Transport explores what the sensors are and how the new technology is set to offer a major boost to walking and cycling infrastructure.
Vivacity Labs have been awarded a new contract to oversee the development and roll-out of video analytics sensors which will enhance both the monitoring of existing cycling and walking schemes and the planning and implementation of future schemes.
Around 100 new sensor installations are currently planned across the region, with further installations expected as the region’s cycling and walking infrastructure programme continues to be rolled out.
The sensors, alongside a new data platform, will provide a significant increase in Transport for Greater Manchester’s cycling and walking monitoring capabilities, extending data coverage and enabling monitoring in busy, complex environments. The data provided by the sensors will also be useful in helping to better manage signal timings.
We’ve already made great progress this year in delivering the UK’s largest cycling and walking network and have many more schemes in the pipeline as we look to give people a genuine alternative to the car
TfGM has currently got 82 sensors implemented around the region, so the doubling of sensors is expected to produce more data with a higher degree of precision.
Obtaining confidence from the public is key to modal shift
These sensors will harness information to see where developments of new cycle lanes and dedicated walking spaces are needed and record how successful existing cycle and walking spaces have been.
It is hoped that monitoring this information will allow the public to feel safer on the roads and be encouraged to use pedestrian dedicated areas as the modal shift from cars continues.
Programme Director for Cycling and Walking, Richard Nickson, said: “Giving as many people as possible access to convenient, safe and enjoyable forms of active travel will help us to build on the increases in walking and cycling we have seen during the pandemic.
“We’ve already made great progress this year in delivering the UK’s largest cycling and walking network and have many more schemes in the pipeline as we look to give people a genuine alternative to the car, reduce congestion and help improve air quality” added, Richard.
Plans for wider implementation in the future
Rounding up, Quadrant Transport heard: “By enhancing our monitoring capabilities, we can more effectively measure the success of this substantial investment and better understand the use of active travel modes across the region to inform our long-term strategy and delivery.”
This rolling programme of deploying sensors is expected to start in the autumn, with further installations to follow as monitoring capabilities are further enhanced.