Overview
Through the motorway construction programme in Slovenia, a number of local traffic management centres have been developed. They are interconnected in a system covering only the motorways, while the rest of the network remains uncovered. In 1998 a joint traffic information system for both motorways and state roads was suggested. This study is therefore focused on integrating the uncovered part of the road network into a complete system.
The information system for public information on the traffic conditions on state roads has been developed in the context of the traffic infrastructure service. Long term traffic growth is followed by infrastructure construction, or rather by traffic policy measures through which better infrastructure usage should be encouraged.
Information and communication technology are the means why the described dynamic relations are not tackled in discrete steps with construction but rather in a continuous way through traffic management.
With suitable traffic management we can:
- improve traffic safety (reduce number and severity of traffic accidents),
- improve infrastructure usage and therefore reduce the need for new construction,
- improve the efficiency of resources used (reducing the road user costs), and
- relatively reduce the environmental impact.
Information on traffic conditions is a set of activities which represent a subset in the traffic management. It conveys the impulses of the traffic management authority such as information on accidents, traffic jams, road closures, winter service etc. As an information system it is also closely connected to the e-society where information represents market goods such as navigation system data or information on utility services. It can be also seen as a tool to influence the behaviour patterns of the population.
The aim of the study was to develop functional and system requirements for an integrated information system for the management centre, which will ensure permanent, accurate, relevant and up-to-date information. A tight connection with the road maintenance service and road users information system is also essential. All information is provided to system users in an unified and transparent form.
The purpose of the study was to develop an information system which will efficiently connect the traffic and road condition information sources with the information users.
For the efficient execution of this task, the user needs, procedures, activities, relevant subjects and logical data flows have been defined and described.
Results
The key result is the system architecture which is represented in the form of a structured record of organisational, functional and information relations as well as in graphical form. In this way the system is easily extended as the requests for new technologies and information providers are known well in advance.
The functional description for the management centre has been suggested and key subjects and logical information flows have been designed. The design was related to the European ITS Framework Architecture so that connectivity to neighbouring countries' traffic centres is ensured.
The practical functionality test has been performed by the pilot project. In the pilot project the internet was used as media and the main goal was the connectivity of sub-systems and their mutual communication.
The pilot system consisted of:
Sub-systems:
– automatic traffic counters equipped with cellular communication module
– web cameras
– database server
– web server.
Communication:
– cellular and stationary network
– video transfer via internet
– data transfer via internet.
Policy implications
Based on the presented study a number of implementation projects have been launched. It initiated an ongoing process which will finally result in the establishment of a national road management and information centre for Slovenia.
Connectivity with neighbouring countries, vehicle information and communication systems and spreading the functionality by the introduction of new technology and information providers are the main goals for the future.
Road
Key Findings
No results directly relevant to this theme. However, please note that some findings relevant to the project's key theme (Intelligent Transport Systems) are generically applicable.
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Policy Implications
No policy implications directly relevant to this theme. However, please note that some policy implications relevant to the project's key theme (Intelligent Transport Systems) are generically applicable.
User aspects