Cohda Wireless and ATC I BRAUMS have entered into an agreement to lead to the progression of traffic infrastructure and management systems across the globe to accommodate connected vehicles on our roads.

The MOU was signed in Copenhagen at the recent ITS World Congress by Cohda Wireless CEO Dr. Paul Gray and Aldridge Traffic Controllers (ATC) and Urban Mobility Solutions provider Braums Managing Director Mr. Andrew Bull.   ATC and Braums are partners in the delivery of the traffic management systems and infrastructure (ATC I BRAUMS) and the MOU signed between the parties will allow the SCATS controllers from ATC to incorporate Cohda’s V2X communication platform.

SCATS® is a fully adaptive urban traffic control system that optimises traffic flow and is operational in 27 countries and 180 cities around the world.

Cohda Wireless CEO Dr. Paul Gray said that a V2X-enhanced SCATS system has many benefits and that the MOU is a positive step forward in the journey towards a connected urban transport system:

“Connecting Cohda’s roadside units to SCATS controllers will provide a world of information that can be leveraged to enhance traffic flow and safety,” explained Dr Gray.  “It will provide very detailed information on the speed and direction of connected vehicles as well as detect the presence of pedestrians and cyclists through their smartphones which can be relayed to vehicles and a central control room.”

“A V2X-enhanced SCATS system can also be applied for vehicle prioritisation, whether it be to keep buses and freight moving to prevent traffic congestion or to enhance access for emergency vehicles,” added Dr. Gray.   “The signal timing information can be transmitted to connected cars to facilitate the more economic and environmentally preferable ‘green wave’ driving style.”

Under the MOU, Cohda Wireless and ATC I BRAUMS will identify and explore business opportunities in an atmosphere of close cooperation and collaboration.

ATC I BRAUMS Managing Director Mr. Andrew Bull said that exploring V2X opportunities in China is high on the agenda of all parties.

ATC I BRAUMS has had recent success in China through an initiative which involved the installation of more than 1,500 ATC SCATS Traffic Signal Controllers, many of which have been installed in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Cohda Wireless established an office in Shanghai in February this year to capitalise on China’s rapidly developing markets for Smart Cities and autonomous cars.

China is a global leader in developing Smart City technology as its national Government aims to encourage information-rich connected systems to improve the liveability of its rapidly growing cities.