Automatic incident detection and improved traffic control in urban areas.

This paper discusses 3 systems developed to improve the operation of automatic traffic signal control systems such as SCOOT in congested conditions. ASTRID (Automatic Scoot TRaffic Information Database) is a database that monitors a traffic network and provides detailed information to a network operator about historic traffic conditions. INGRID (INteGRated Incident Detection) is an online incident detection system that recognises unusual levels of congestion. MONACO (MONitoring and Analysis of COngestion) is an online monitoring system that analyses recurrent congestion problems and suggests possible solutions. Each system is described and details given of their implementation and evaluation in Southampton (ASTRID and INGRID) and London (ASTRID and MONACO).