Network Monitoring and Personalized Traffic Control: A Starting Point based on Experiences from the Municipality of Enschede in the Netherlands

Abstract

An increasing number of cities have severe traffic problems. We identify three main challenges for managing these problems. The first one is to achieve a proper amount of monitoring. Secondly, predictions of the effects of network wide management measures require knowledge of the underlying travel behaviour. Finally, measures should be in line with needs and expectations of travellers to be effective. In this paper we focus on these challenges. We use loop detectors near traffic lights in the Dutch city of Enschede to monitor the traffic situation in its network. We developed a method to estimate delays from these measurements. We also use a simple forecasting algorithm to predict flows and travel times for different time horizons. Regarding travel behaviour, we used a license plate survey to study route choice. We discuss how the results from these studies may be used to improve urban traffic management.