SWARCO deal delivering Intelligent Traffic for a Smarter Suffolk
When it comes to creating smarter cities, traffic management is no small matter. SWARCO UK & Ireland, a leader in intelligent traffic solutions, has strengthened its partnership with Suffolk County Council, securing a decade-long contract to deliver cutting-edge Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to the region.
With this agreement, SWARCO will maintain and upgrade Suffolk’s traffic systems while bringing innovative, eco-friendly solutions that benefit the public and pave the way for a smarter future. But what does this partnership really mean for Suffolk, and how will it improve everyday life in the county?
SWARCO’s Long-Standing Partnership with Suffolk County Council
SWARCO’s collaboration with Suffolk County Council isn’t new. In fact, this latest agreement extends a partnership that’s been thriving for over three decades. The new 10-year contract will see the installation, maintenance, and management of ITS across Suffolk, expanding on the previous arrangement to offer broader benefits for taxpayers.
At the heart of this new agreement is an increased focus on innovation and efficiency. Alongside routine traffic signal maintenance and fault repair, SWARCO will deploy an array of advanced technologies like Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS), Variable Message Signs (VMS), CCTV, air quality monitoring, and weather stations. These systems will help Suffolk manage its transport infrastructure more effectively, improving everything from traffic flow to environmental monitoring.
John Clements, Assistant Director of Highways Services at Suffolk County Council, highlights the significance of this partnership: “ITS is a vast umbrella of services which includes repairing and maintaining traffic signals to monitoring air quality on busy junctions around our towns. SWARCO is an industry leader when it comes to innovating in this arena, and we are glad to have them working with us in Suffolk.”
The Power of SWARCO MyCity
One of the most significant upgrades SWARCO will bring to Suffolk is its Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) system, known as SWARCO MyCity. This state-of-the-art platform is designed to monitor and manage the entire ITS portfolio, streamlining the county’s traffic operations. SWARCO MyCity offers a centralised, long-term solution that allows Suffolk County Council to keep its finger on the pulse of all traffic systems in real-time.
The platform integrates with existing ITS infrastructure, providing the tools needed to control traffic flow, monitor weather conditions, and even track air quality levels. It’s an all-in-one solution that enables local authorities to make data-driven decisions, ensuring that traffic moves efficiently while minimising environmental impact.
Darrell Webb, SWARCO UK & Ireland’s Regional Operations Manager, is enthusiastic about this new development: “The contract win was a real team effort, drawing upon the local knowledge and expertise of our Suffolk-based delivery team, ensuring our delivery model was tailored to the exact requirements of the contract. Our technology team developed and delivered a clear ITS roadmap, which includes the introduction of our MyCity system to handle Urban Traffic Control operations and traffic signage control.”
Why This Matters for Suffolk’s Future
So, why is this deal so important? In a world increasingly reliant on technology, cities and counties need to keep up with the times. Intelligent Transport Systems represent a key part of the broader smart city vision, where technology is leveraged to make urban life smoother, safer, and more efficient. For Suffolk, this means fewer traffic jams, cleaner air, and a transport system that’s ready to adapt to future challenges, from climate change to increased population growth.
SWARCO’s MyCity system will enable Suffolk to manage its traffic signals and road signage with greater accuracy and efficiency. But it goes beyond that. The integration of air quality and weather monitoring means that the council will have access to real-time data on environmental conditions, helping them to respond to issues like pollution spikes or adverse weather much faster than before. This is especially crucial as cities and counties strive to reduce their carbon footprint and improve public health.
A Broader Vision for Smart Cities
This partnership with Suffolk County Council is just one piece of SWARCO’s broader vision for smart cities. SWARCO is at the forefront of developing technologies that support multi-modal transportation management—an approach that prioritises a range of transportation methods, from cars and buses to bicycles and pedestrians. This focus on multi-modality aligns with the growing trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly cities, where reducing reliance on cars is a key priority.
In the context of smart cities, traffic management is about more than just keeping cars moving. It’s about creating an ecosystem where all forms of transport coexist harmoniously. With innovations like connected vehicles, integrated public transport, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, cities can become more liveable and sustainable, reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and improving quality of life for everyone.
SWARCO is heavily invested in this vision, as demonstrated by their continued work in cities around the world. From fostering relationships with academic institutions to partnering with local authorities, SWARCO is helping to build the smart cities of tomorrow.
The Local Impact
Beyond traffic management, SWARCO’s ongoing partnership with Suffolk brings other tangible benefits to the local community. Not only does SWARCO employ a Suffolk-based delivery team, but the company has also invested in the area through a local service centre and various charity partnerships. Recently, they even became a “Suffolk Industry Partner,” providing careers guidance to local graduates and trainees.
Darrell Webb expressed SWARCO’s commitment to the community: “We continue to invest in the Suffolk area with a local service centre, several local charity partnerships, and recently becoming a ‘Suffolk Industry Partner’ providing careers guidance to local graduates and trainees.”
This local presence ensures that the benefits of the partnership extend beyond infrastructure upgrades, creating job opportunities and fostering community engagement.
Building a Smarter, Greener Future for Suffolk
In the grand scheme of things, Suffolk’s partnership with SWARCO is more than just a traffic management deal—it’s a step toward a smarter, greener future. With innovative ITS solutions like the MyCity platform, Suffolk is not only enhancing the efficiency of its transport network but also taking proactive steps to reduce its environmental impact.
As the UK and other countries move towards smart city models, it’s partnerships like this that will help pave the way. By combining local expertise with cutting-edge technology, SWARCO is helping Suffolk County Council deliver a transport system that’s fit for the 21st century and beyond.
