Real time data fusion [road traffic strategic control]

This paper describes the real time data fusion demonstrator that has been developed for use within the proposed Regional Traffic Control Centres (RTCC). RTCCs are identified as one of the key tasks within the Highways Agency business plan for implementing strategic network control and the provision of reliable driver information systems so as to make better use of the existing road network. The objectives are: to improve road safety; improve network efficiency and journey time reliability; improve environmental conditions; and the provision of relevant and reliable information to drivers. The RTCCs will provide an additional tier of strategic control allowing a management overview of the road network to be taken and accurate advice generated. Within the RTCC the data from a variety of sources, locations and times will be fused to provide a coherent picture of real time traffic conditions over the whole network. The fusion process will calculate confidence values for the traffic data value based on the accuracy of the measurement method, the location and time when the measurement was made and the availability of supporting confirmation data. The data held in the RTCC database will be used to calculate traffic management strategies for the regional network and will be disseminated via the traffic information highway to external driver information service providers