AutoGreen FAQs
Answers to common questions about AutoGreen, Vehicle Actuation and traffic management at two-way roadworks.
What is AutoGreen?
AutoGreen is an intelligent operating mode for portable traffic signals. It uses advanced radar detection and artificial intelligence to adjust signal operation in response to current traffic conditions.
Where can AutoGreen be used?
AutoGreen is suitable for many two-way shuttle-working sites on rural and urban roads.
Before using AutoGreen, the site designer or traffic management provider should consider:
- Nearby junctions and pedestrian crossings
- Motorway slip roads or other critical access points
- Hospitals, fire stations and other facilities that must remain accessible
- The expected traffic volume
- The length and layout of the shuttle lane
- Permit or Highway Authority requirements
Very busy or critical sites may require a more advanced control method, such as Urban Traffic Control.
What is the difference between AutoGreen and VA?
Standard Vehicle Actuation responds when movement is detected. It may not fully understand when traffic has stopped or when a queue is forming.
AutoGreen uses more detailed detector information and intelligent control. It can respond to congestion while protecting the signal cycle and making sure each approach continues to receive green time.
Can I achieve the same result by increasing the VA green time?
No. Setting a long green time in VA mode does not make it operate like AutoGreen.
Excessive green times can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of traffic blocking the shuttle lane. AutoGreen uses live detection information to respond to changing conditions.
Does AutoGreen stop every site from becoming congested?
No traffic signal system can guarantee that congestion will never occur. Demand may exceed the amount of traffic that the roadworks can accommodate.
AutoGreen is designed to identify changing conditions, manage queues and reduce the risk of congestion becoming worse.
Can AutoGreen replace manual control?
AutoGreen can reduce or remove the need for manual control at many two-way sites. This depends on the site risk assessment, scheme design and any conditions set by the relevant Highway Authority.
Does AutoGreen improve journey times?
In trials published by Traffic Group Signals, AutoGreen improved journey times by up to 50% compared with conventional VA operation. Actual performance will depend on traffic demand, the road layout and how the site has been configured. View the supporting AutoGreen information.
Is AutoGreen the same as ARVA?
Yes. AutoGreen and ARVA refer to the same underlying technology. ARVA was the name previously used within part of the former TGS product range. The technology was brought under the AutoGreen name in 2019.
Is AutoGreen patented?
Yes. AutoGreen is protected by UK patent GB2535320.
Which products support AutoGreen?
AutoGreen is available on selected Traffic Group Signals products, including compatible Evo ACM and Evo1 systems. It is also supported by certain other TGS controllers and product ranges.
Compatibility depends on the signal, controller and operating mode. Check the relevant product information or contact Traffic Group Signals before planning a deployment.