Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are a grouping of dedicated technologies such as variable message signs (VMS), video or radar based vehicle detection, number plate recognition, inductive loops, video cameras and traffic controllers. Individually these technologies are limited but when tied together through an effective communication backbone, the results are tremendous and can be seen in everyday life.
It has been said that ITS is the largest industry you have never heard of and it now continues to turn heads and gain popularity with transportation engineers and urban planners worldwide.
While the ITS industry is still in its teenage years, there are key global trends driving it towards maturity at a rapid rate. Accelerated urbanization and growth of emerging economies has seen a rise in disposable income and the desire to own a vehicle. This surge in vehicles using roadways has had an undesirable impact causing congestion and even gridlock which costs the world economy over US $1 Trillion annually in lost man hours, business and wasted fuel.
ITS seeks to improve safety, efficiency and performance of existing roadways without the need to embark on costly brick and mortar projects. Key benefits of ITS can be enjoyed by everyone and include:
- Increased driver and pedestrian safety
- Improved air quality by cutting emissions
- Reduced traffic congestion
- Reduced travel times: get to your destination faster
- Excellent return on investment
