Govt plans AI smart traffic lights to reduce congestion

The Government is gearing up to roll out a smart traffic light system across the country with the aim of further reducing congestion on the roadways.
On Wednesday, the Public Works Ministry, the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department and technical experts met to advance discussions on the initiative.
Among those who participated in the meeting were Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh.
A smart traffic light system is an advanced traffic control system that uses sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to dynamically adjust traffic signals based on real-time conditions, instead of a fixed schedule.
In an invited comment to this publication, the traffic chief explained that “it’s an improved way in which traffic will be allowed to flow continuously in a direction where volumes are greater. The lights naturally will be remotely monitored based on the type of technology, and the priority will be given where you have greater volumes for the specific direction the traffic must flow.” The goal is to ensure better traffic management across the country and to aid in the reduction of congestion.
“You have less interruption, there’s less likelihood of accidents, and you find congestion generally will be driven downward. Basically, you can enter and exit a space in faster time, because remember, the lights will be synchronised along the route that is displayed, and it’s much to the benefit of the road users,” he noted.
The Traffic Chief was unable to provide a timeline for the initiative’s rollout or identify the contractor responsible, noting that those announcements would be made by Central Government.