AI smart cameras to improve road safety in SA

The South Australian Government is trialling AI technology in the traffic network to help combat collisions and drive down traffic jams. The trial is the first of its kind in South Australia and has been installed at key locations at Penfield, Paradise and two roads at Old Noarlunga.

The software is an intelligent solution to improving road safety and traffic flow during peak periods. The cameras are linked to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC), allowing staff to monitor vehicle movements and automatically adjust traffic signals to reduce congestion.

As well as being both frustrating and dangerous, traffic congestion also has a significant economic impact. According to data collected by TMC, it costs the state’s economy more than $33,000 for every 5000 motorists that are forced to wait 20 minutes in the morning peak.

In Adelaide’s northern suburbs, traffic build-up and dangerous rear-end collisions have significantly reduced since the cameras were installed last year. Previously, drivers attempting to exit the Northern Expressway onto Heaslip Road were able to bank up to dangerous levels. In some cases, motorists were forced to queue onto the expressway where several rear-end collisions occurred.

Following community concern at the site and a subsequent investigation by the Department, the area was flagged as a suitable location to trial the new software and hardware, which was designed and built by engineering company SAFEgroup Automation.

AI system identifying traffic build-up at Heaslip Road.

Since the installation, the cameras have been able to successfully identify and respond to periods of high traffic flow. The system, which is connected to a temporary traffic signal at the Heaslip Road roundabout, is able to stop northbound traffic when activated and generate gaps for the off-ramp traffic to enter the roundabout without cars banking up. The signals continue to operate until the queue length on the exit ramp is reduced.

Plans are now underway to install the system at two more locations along the Northern Expressway, in preparation for the nearby housing developments.

“There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in long traffic jams where cars are bumper-to-bumper. By investing in trials of this new technology, we are taking a productive approach in enhancing our road network as we continue to invest and expand in Adelaide’s north,” said Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis.

“This is a great initiative that shows how new AI technology can help improve our road network and increase driver safety,” said Assistant Minister to the Premier for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy, Michael Brown. “By linking directly to traffic signals, these smart cameras can easily identify high traffic flows and automatically adjust the lights to alleviate the congestion.”

Top image credit: iStock.com/Thurtell