Cubic (ITMS) wins $85m contract to improve London traffic

A subsidiary of US-based Cubic Transportation Systems, Cubic (ITMS), has won an $85m contract with Transport for London (TfL) to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in a vital area of London.

The plan will involve maintaining and expanding the use of intelligent traffic signals and new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at prominent points across the city. The contract includes the option for a two-year extension.

London is covered by a Traffic Control Management Services 2 (TCMS2) contract and, from 1 October, ITMS will be responsible for 1,000 traffic signals, variable message signs and overhead gantries across south-east London.

Cubic Transportation Systems UK sales director John Pickworth said: "This contract has a larger scope than previous awards, as we will have to source and deliver all required equipment and works associated with the project.

"We have a responsibility to London and will need to maintain availability of 99.1% of traffic signals each period. As always, we aim for the highest level of service in all the contracts we serve."

The contract is a part of TfL and the Mayor of London’s plan to ensure that investment in London’s road network is doubled from £2bn to £4bn in the next few years.

Part of the investment will be used for upgrading pedestrian crossings with countdown timers and audible alerts, efficient LED traffic lights and cycle improvement schemes with low-level cycle signals. The split cycle off-set optimisation technique (SCOOT) technology, which modifies traffic signal timings according to traffic levels, will also be expanded.

TfL director of asset management Dana Skelley said: "London is world-leading when it comes to traffic signals management and our new contracts will allow us to remain at the cutting edge of traffic control technology.

"We have a range of works planned to improve traffic signals across London and we look forward to working hard with our partners to implement them."