What is AutoGreen?
Learn how AutoGreen helps portable traffic signals respond to changing traffic conditions and reduce congestion through roadworks.
AutoGreen is an intelligent operating mode for portable traffic signals. It uses artificial intelligence and advanced vehicle detection to adjust signal operation to suit current traffic conditions.
Why is AutoGreen needed?
Traffic levels at roadworks can change throughout the day. A site may be quiet when it is first set up but become much busier during peak periods.
Traditional Vehicle Actuation, known as VA, responds when approaching vehicles are detected. However, conventional VA systems may struggle when traffic becomes congested or stops moving. Green times can become too long and queues may extend into the shuttle lane.
This can block the working area and prevent traffic from clearing properly.
What does AutoGreen do?
AutoGreen uses information from advanced radar detectors to understand what is happening on each approach.
It automatically adjusts the signal timings to respond to the traffic conditions. It also protects the signal cycle so that each approach continues to receive green time, even when queues begin to build.
This helps the shuttle lane clear and reduces the risk of one direction dominating the signal cycle.
What are the benefits?
AutoGreen can help:
- Reduce queues and delays
- Improve traffic flow through roadworks
- Prevent traffic from blocking the shuttle lane
- Respond automatically when traffic conditions change
- Reduce the need for manual intervention
- Lower driver frustration
- Reduce the time operatives spend working close to live traffic
- Reduce vehicle idling and its associated emissions
In TGS trials, AutoGreen improved journey times through roadworks by up to 50% compared with conventional VA operation. Results will vary depending on the site and traffic conditions. Read more about AutoGreen.
Note: AutoGreen does not replace correct scheme design, site assessment or approved traffic management procedures.