Bangkok: Say goodbye to 12-minute red lights! Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is using Adaptive Control to connect the two intersections of Phra Khanong and Pridi Banomyong, calculating traffic in real-time to help improve traffic flow. Mr. Wisanu Trapsompol, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, along with representatives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Traffic and Transportation Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Traffic Division, inspected the Sukhumvit 71 intersection to monitor the operation of the Adaptive Control automatic traffic light system, which adjusts traffic signals based on traffic volume.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok stated that the Phra Khanong intersection is a three-way intersection consisting of two parts: the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Rama IV Road, and the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Sukhumvit 71 (Pridi Phanomyong) Road. This is a high-traffic area, and in the past, drivers had to wait a long time at traffic lights. Now, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with the Traffic Police Division, is experimenting with Adaptive Control to see how adjusting traffic light signals based on actual traffic conditions can improve traffic flow. For example, if there is a high volume of traffic and long queues, the green light period could be extended.
Testing the Adaptive Control system showed improved traffic conditions at the Phra Khanong and Sukhumvit 71 intersections. The system calculates the traffic volume at both intersections to ensure a balanced flow, resulting in shorter queues and improved traffic movement. Traffic light cycles were shortened from 12 minutes to 6 minutes. We will experiment with further shortening the cycles. Traffic police are also assisting in managing the system in case of unusual incidents, such as vehicle breakdowns or emergencies. We have now installed Adaptive Control systems at 74 intersections in Bangkok. Each intersection is unique, requiring data collection and adjustments to match the traffic characteristics of each location.
"We must cooperate and solve traffic problems together. Bangkok is trying to use science, technology, and data to help make the work of traffic police easier," said the Deputy Governor of Bangkok. Adaptive Control traffic lights are systems that automatically adjust the timing of traffic lights based on real-time traffic conditions. They use technology from CCTV cameras to accurately detect and count vehicles. A processing system then adjusts the green and red light timings to match traffic in each direction. The result is less traffic congestion and smoother travel.