Real-time traffic data gathering
Public authorities use loop detectors and cameras out on the road as part of their safety monitoring responsibility. Even with a high volume of FCD data, emergency scenarios still require “eyes on the road” technology.
Cities across the globe have already combined FCD-based traffic information with traditional detection systems. This gives authorities maximum monitoring and control over the conditions on the road to enable fast decision-making regarding traffic management and safety.
Traffic congestion prevention
Road authorities traditionally reached drivers via radio and roadside message signs. Since the advent of navigation with real-time traffic information, channels to drivers via service providers such as TomTom have become much more important.
Many local and national authorities have developed data feeds to give to service providers for free. These feeds announce road closures, roadworks, accidents and other relevant information that can help reduce congestion by informing drivers quickly. TomTom uses this data to provide an option for authorities and trusted partners to input this information into TomTom Traffic information services.
An FCD database is readily available for traffic information service providers and public authorities. Road operators can use the information to get instant answers to queries.
The image above shows travel time percentiles between Brussels and Antwerp during an evening rush hour in November 2015. Public authorities responsible for the Brussels-Antwerp network can use this information for traffic management plans for this specific time slot. Local authorities can de-congest the route by cooperating with traffic information service providers who can reach drivers immediately and directly. They can monitor month-on-month stability to assess the impact of any changes.
Alternative routes service
Road operators face limitations when managing their road network. Control is limited to their specific network and does not necessarily span to networks adjacent to it.
In the case of an emergency, the road operator may need to advise drivers to take a route that they have no information about. Traffic data is available for the road network that the road operator is responsible for but limited or no traffic information is usually available for other networks. As a result, road operators are not able to advise the drivers on alternative routes.
FCD provides the solution to this challenge. As real-time traffic data generated by FCD is road operator dependent, there is instantly data available for all road categories, both secondary and provincial. By integrating FCD data in the traffic management center, the right information is available to make balanced decisions on how to better distribute traffic. As TomTom constantly updates FCD data, it can be utilized throughout the process of rerouting.
Recommended route planning: the most probable path
TomTom designs services so the traffic information that reaches the vehicle is consistent with that on the electronic traffic signs (VMS) on the road network.
For example, when there is a football game in the area of a vehicle’s destination, the navigation system is aware of the event and any measures local traffic management centers are implementing to de-congest the area. This is a win-win for all traffic partners.
The in-vehicle navigation system combines safety with the efficiency of real-time traffic information. There is a convergence between the actions of the individual driver’s objectives (for fast and efficient travel) and those of the public authorities (for adherence to set collective or societal objectives such as CO2 emissions), prioritization of one road user group over the other (pedestrians over cars depending on policy) or other.
TomTom traffic management products
Drivers, companies and governmental authorities all trust TomTom FDC data to provide the most accurate and real-time traffic information on the market. The suite of traffic products is available to suit the specific needs of road authorities, event managers and emergency service professionals to monitor traffic regardless of location.
All products have extensive coverage and utilize vast amounts of driving data to provide personalized insights into traffic management and make the improvements most valuable to road users.
Let’s have a look at what they are.
