This paper reviews the concept of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in its South African context, with particular reference to the Cape and Durban Metropolitan Areas, and summarises the current status of the deployment of ITS systems in South Africa with a brief look at what the future holds. The dramatic emphasis placed on social upliftment in the post-apartheid era in South Africa has, in effect, contributed to the enormous pressure inflicted on the road network. On the one hand the redistribution of wealth to the masses has led to an increase in car ownership and movement of traffic while strict financial policies have curtailed new road projects. The responsibility for extracting the maximum efficiency from the existing road traffic infrastructure rests squarely on the shoulders of the traffic practitioners and innovative ITS projects have been proposed to meet this challenge. While the Government and private sectors have recognised the significant contribution required from them, progress is very slow. A national committee has been established to channel the available resources of all the role players and focus their efforts towards achieving a common goal ... the successful deployment of ITS in South Africa. (A*)
Abstract