Digital traffic management initiative for A59 and A1079

After several months of silence, a report has been produced on the progress being made in further automating real time traffic management systems in the City.

Image result for smart transport evolution programme gif

Called the “Smart Transport Evolution Programme” (STEP), the government funded initiative, would see a newly deployed real-time traffic model used in the City.

It will forecast road conditions 5-60 minutes ahead and could produce alerts allowing Network Monitoring Officers to make pre-emptive traffic interventions.

The Council says that the £2.8 million system would give them the “the ability to forecast near-future traffic conditions and make pre-emotive traffic interventions which will improve the overall efficiency of the road network, resulting in a greater ability to prioritise road space for users in line with the Council’s Road User Hierarchy.

This can include improved bus service schedule adherence, “with an ability  to resolve issues that affect public transport services at an earlier point in time”

The system “allows York to prepare for advances in urban travel such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles”.Image result for self drive vehicle gif

“The programme will shortly be delivering a Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory trial to the A59 and A1079, a service that sends real-time and future traffic signals conditions into smart phones and cars with advice on the most efficient speed to travel safely at to get through on green”

Providing travellers with up-to-date information about what conditions they can expect to encounter on journeys should be an important part of any future travel strategy.

We therefore wish the project well.

The inability of the Council to provide even parking space availability feeds into sat. nav. systems, web sites and street signs does, however, give some cause for concern.

Taking back control

Residents are increasingly being forced to take direct action to cut back the weeds and branches that are impeding roads and footpaths in York.

Some Parish Councils are planning to spray or otherwise remove the weeds that have have blighted many parts of York this summer.

The Kexby Parish Council are understood to be considering paying a local farmer to spray the paths and gullies on the A1079.

Weed growth near Kexby has prompted action from the local parish Council and City Councillor Mark Warters

In parts of west York, which don’t have Parish Councils, residents associations are forming action groups aimed at getting the streets cleaned up.

Weeds on back Beaconsfield Street/Front Street were reported 3 months ago. They have not been treated and have grown to the point where they are obstructing access.
Some of the weeds have been cut back but they have revealed a major accumulation of rubbish. The Council has been asked once again to clear the vegetation and detritus
Insecure rubbish storage arrangements exacerbate the problems on back Front Street.
Thorn bushes obstructing the Tithe Close snicket were reported to the Council 3 weeks ago. No action was taken.
A residents action team have trimmed back the hazardous branches from the footpath. Again though the Council needs to have the snicket thoroughly swept.
A similar situation is developing on Dickson park where bushes are now obstructing footpaths.