Austria-based transport systems provider Kapsch TrafficCom has signed an agreement with the City of Málaga, Spain, for testing a dynamic signalling system and real-time traffic optimiser.

The objective of this project is to provide alternative routes for vehicle users and reduce traffic saturation during peak periods or in the case of unforeseen events.

Kapsch said that it will be deploying the dynamic signalling system with variable message signs (VMS) and a ‘virtual VMS’ mobile application, an alternative route will be displayed and indicated via audio in real-time to the driver of the vehicle when he arrives near a decision point.

The signalling system will make use of the information from the traffic light system to recommend the best alternative route for the drivers.

The real-time traffic optimiser dynamically modifies the duration of green areas on the route depending on the traffic conditions detected by the installed sensor system.

With a duration of two years, the projects will complement tests carried out in other European cities.

Kapsch TrafficCom Spain and Portugal city director Juan Marín said: “Public-private partnerships allow faster progress in the evaluation of innovative solutions for new mobility.

“The agreement we have signed enables the city of Málaga to be a showcase project for the use of demand and capacity management systems, which we will develop, implement and evaluate as part of a ground-breaking proof of concept in Europe.”

Málaga Mobility Councilor José Del Río said: “It is very satisfying for Málaga to be the first city in Europe to realise a project of this magnitude.

“The technology will optimise the city’s traffic for the benefit of our citizens’ quality of life, resulting in less time in the car throughout their journey.

“This project also reinforces Málaga’s position as an urban laboratory for testing technological initiatives.”

Last month, Kapsch announced that its multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) tolling system had become operational in Norway.

The company installed the six-point tolling system at the Ryfast sub-sea tunnel system in Rogaland in February.