Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced the rollout of 20 ‘smart junctions’ across the city. They use sensors to detect the type of road user at junctions and allow different modes of transport to be given priority.

Developed in collaboration with AI firm Vivacity Labs, the scheme aims to accommodate and promote the use of active travel modes such as cycling and walking, which have become an increased priority for UK cities in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project first went live earlier this year, but is now being scaled up to cover 20 junctions in Manchester by the end of 2021.

Speaking after its launch, the UK’s Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “Smart traffic technology is just one of the many ground-breaking areas the government is funding to pioneer new ways for artificial intelligence and 5G to transform our lives for the better. We’re backing this initiative in (Greater) Manchester to improve the city’s transport, reduce journey times, and cut pollution.”

Full article: https://thenextweb.com/shift/2020/11/18/uk-city-launches-smart-junctions-that-prioritize-cyclists-and-pedestrians-syndication/