In this brief paper, the author discusses possible future advances in traffic control methods, in the areas of vehicle detection, communications, and vehicle identification. A major advance would be the use of out of ground detection equipment, such as video, infrared, microwave, sonic, or self powered devices. These would be easier to maintain than in-ground detectors, such as loops. Fibre optics will become important in communications in the future, as part of the trend in traffic signal systems to have more intelligent systems in the field as opposed to the large centralised urban traffic control systems (UTCS). New methods are being developed to accurately identify vehicles, their techniques will have important applications in automated toll collection. The author also highlights the need for good maintenance strategies to make future and existing technologies work.
Abstract