Micro-computers versus traffic : chipping away at the traffic problem.

Two separate and almost contradictory influences of micro- chip and communications technology on the nature and management of urban traffic are examined.On the hand, micro- computers enable traffic engineers to collect and analyse more data at far greater speeds than ever previously envisaged. On the other hand, the transfer of data by electronic means is now many times cheaper, more reliable and potentially more democratic than could ever be achieved in a car- oriented environment.