UK’s University of Bedfordshire is set to receive funding of up to £30,000 to conduct research for the development of new traffic management systems.

The university’s department of computer science and technology and University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK) will partner with data collection company Clearview Traffic Group for the project. The research funding was awarded to the university by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board

The parties will evaluate the extension of vehicle counting data, which is obtained from solar-powered sensors built into roads, to include information like the classification of each vehicle and its speed.

"The university’s expertise in algorithms and distributed signal processing will be crucial to the development of this new technology."

This data will enable intelligent decision-making by transport managers and road network operators, while reducing congestion, emissions and accidents, as well as the costs of installation and maintenance that are traditionally associated with in-road traffic data collection systems.

UCMK computer science professor Ben Allen said that the university is looking forward to be working with Clearview on this collaborative venture, which will also help to put UCMK on the map as the hub for innovation.

"The university’s expertise in algorithms and distributed signal processing will be crucial to the development of this new technology," Allen said.

While Allen will oversee the university’s contribution to the research, Clearview will lead the 13-month, £116,000 R&D project.

Clearview engineering head Chris Barnes said this project will stimulate innovation at the intersection between connected computing and the use of sensors, providing traffic and transport data that can help decision-making around traffic management.

"The global market for intelligent transport solutions is substantial, and rising year-on-year. In partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, and with financial support from the government, we aim to bring innovative technology to market as soon as possible," Barnes said.

The University of Bedfordshire and Clearview aim to begin work on the project in June.