Lancashire County Council (LCC) is taking bold strides towards a smarter, more sustainable transport future with the adoption of Yunex Trafficβs Stratos Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) solution.
This cloud-hosted platform is set to form the backbone of Lancashireβs Future Mobility Platform, delivering an integrated, data-driven approach to managing the countyβs evolving traffic network.
Lancashireβs Future Mobility Platform
In a move to modernise its traffic management services, Lancashire County Council selected Stratos UTMC after a competitive tendering process. This strategic decision aligns with LCCβs broader policy objectives of improving operational efficiency and enhancing travel experiences for residents and visitors alike.
At the core of this initiative is the seamless integration of real-time data from various sources, including National Highwaysβ Collaborative Traffic Management system, LCCβs Data Platform, and third-party providers. By linking these systems, LCC can better monitor, manage, and predict traffic flows, ensuring smoother journeys and reduced congestion.
Martin Porter, Specialist Advisor for Intelligent and Sustainable Mobility at LCC, shared his optimism about the partnership: βThe Council looks forward to working closely with Yunex Traffic, with the partnership helping to drive both innovation and improved sustainable mobility across the county.β
Smarter Control Through Data Synergy
At the heart of this cutting-edge solution is the Stratos Strategy Manager Module, designed to oversee and optimise LCCβs urban traffic control system. But the capabilities of Stratos UTMC donβt stop there. Its Disruptions and Driver Information Modules offer a holistic view of Lancashireβs road network, enabling the council to track accidents, incidents, and planned events. These modules also support quick, reliable decision-making to mitigate disruptions effectively.
This integration allows LCC to:
- Access and manage National Highwaysβ digital signage for clearer communication with drivers.
- Monitor real-time traffic flow and incidents for proactive problem-solving.
- Coordinate mitigation strategies to minimise road disruptions.
Wilke Reints, Managing Director of Yunex Traffic in the UK, highlighted the transformative potential of the solution: βOur proven UTMC solutions bring together data from different sources, including network performance data and CCTV feeds from National Highways and other Local Authorities, to generate automated decisions quickly and reliably to meet the Councilβs current transport challenges as well as the areaβs evolving transport network requirements.β
Enhancements in the Pipeline
The Stratos platform isnβt just about managing todayβs traffic; itβs setting the stage for tomorrowβs innovations. Plans are already in motion to expand the UTMC systemβs functionality, including the addition of Floating Vehicle Data (FVD) to improve journey time monitoring. Such enhancements will further refine Lancashireβs ability to predict and respond to traffic trends.
The initial three-year contract includes comprehensive support services provided by Yunex Trafficβs expert team, with the possibility of extending the term to build on this collaborative foundation.
Data-Driven Mobility
Yunex Trafficβs Stratos UTMC embodies a larger shift in the transport industryβtowards integrated, data-powered mobility solutions. Cities worldwide are adopting such platforms to manage their smart city operations, and Lancashire is no exception. By harnessing the power of shared data, LCC is positioning itself as a leader in intelligent and sustainable transport.
Reints emphasised this industry-wide shift: βAcross the industry, we’re witnessing significant momentum around data sharing, with cities worldwide increasingly adopting integrated platforms to manage all aspects of their smart city operations.β
Lancashireβs Step Towards Smarter, Greener Roads
Lancashire County Councilβs partnership with Yunex Traffic is more than just a technological upgradeβitβs a commitment to a smarter, greener future. By leveraging the Stratos UTMC platform, LCC is not only improving road safety and efficiency but also setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
This initiative underscores the potential of data-driven solutions in tackling modern transport challenges, proving that when innovation meets determination, the possibilities are endless.
