The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has taken a proactive step towards enhancing traffic flow by introducing an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimizing traffic conditions on four major roads within the city. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, revealed that the modern system will be installed at 13 intersections along key routes, including Rama VI Road, Ratchawithi Road, Phahon Yothin Road, and Praditpat Road. The aim is to address the challenges faced by the current workforce of traffic officers, who are tasked with managing Bangkok’s traffic lights.
To tackle the inefficiencies caused by limited information sharing among units, the Bangkok Area Traffic Control Project (BATCP) has been implemented. BATCP collects valuable data on vehicle density, waiting times at intersections, and areas experiencing heavy congestion. This data will be utilized to effectively manage traffic in Bangkok and prevent worsening gridlock. Additionally, the new system aims to provide relief to the existing workforce of traffic officers.
With plans to expand the intelligent system to cover over 500 points across the city by 2026, the BMA aims to provide motorists with advanced traffic information accessible through their smartphones. This initiative will enable road users to plan their travel routes in advance, optimizing both time and fuel efficiency.
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Visanu Samsompol, explained that cameras installed at intersections are integrated with a city-wide control system to achieve improved network synchronization. The system will also utilize equipment capable of detecting congestion on the roads, enhancing the calculation of traffic signal timings. Additionally, volumetric data will assist the police in managing traffic effectively.
Samsompol predicts that the Area Traffic Control system will lead to a 10% improvement in traffic flow during peak hours and a significant 30% improvement at other times. The BMA has received support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to facilitate the smooth implementation of this traffic management system in Bangkok.
