Transport issues such as mobility, accessibility and congestion are acknowledged problems in many cities, including Birmingham. In the past the answer has been to build more roads. This is no longer acceptable – and in Birmingham, where space is at a premium and land is expensive, it is not really possible. ITS offers opportunities to manage travel demand and can help reduce the need for new infrastructure.
New communications technologies offer real solutions to improving transport and information making travel in and around the city a more pleasant and safer experience for the people of Birmingham and its visitors.
The strategy sets out seven areas where ITS applications can play an important role for transport and travellers in Birmingham:
- improving traffic flow,
- improving road safety,
- improving traveller information,
- improving public transport,
- improving freight efficiency,
- improving the environment, and
- improving security and reducing crime