This paper investigates the possibility and means of identifying and quantifying traffic incidents from data collected from the Southampton SCOOT system and considers the journey time savings which may result if a system such as AUTOGUIDE could divert some drivers onto routes avoiding incidents. The paper, which is based on findings from a 1 1/2 year study, initially considers the characteristics of predictable incidents such as accidents and breakdown, and their quantification from historical data. SCOOT data associated with known incidents in Southampton is then presented, followed by a description of long terms system monitoring techniques and results for studying unpredictable incidents. Techniques for identifying traffic incidents quickly in the urban environment are also discussed. The paper concludes with estimates of journey time savings at incidents using on-line route guidance, based largely on results from a parallel study using computer modelling techniques.
Samenvatting