The objective of this study is to look afresh at the trunk roads in London from a strategic network wide viewpoint in order to ascertain the benefits of urban traffic control techniques (UTCS). The study has many facets including the renew of operational conditions, accident records, and environmental issues. The individual data costs have been collectively assessed to identify and prioritise network stress points which will guide the formulation of future years Regional Scheme Programmes. A major element of the study was the review of the operation of traffic signals in London, and to identify an overall strategy based on the economic returns obtained from the application of enhanced control equipment. The aim was to undertake the study using existing analytical techniques and this was largely achieved. The novelty was the application of these techniques over the large London area. All 2,500 traffic signals and pelicans were covered and in order to keep the cost of the study within bounds, use was made of existing data and where this was not available it was estimated. The benefits of the different types of control system were analyzed using the computer program COORDBEN.
Abstract