Traffic Watch UK to analyze driver behavior
at eight potential London hotspots and explore
infrastructure adaptations that could mitigate
risky driving patterns. Specific recommendations
such as installing red-light cameras or doubleheight
signage, resurfacing carriageways or
increasing lane widths at junctions have been
shared with relevant local authorities.
“The next step is understanding how
authorities can consume these insights,”
says Scott. “We have to understand existing
ecosystems in order to build a tool that’s
tailored to real-world use of this data.”
The future
Looking ahead, Ford advocates pooling data
from various components of connected cities
– vehicles, public transport and infrastructure
– into an open, cloud-based platform called
the Transportation Mobility Cloud (TMC).
Developed by Ford-owned Autonomic, the TMC
is intended to connect service providers, cars,
fleets, pedestrians, cyclists and transit systems.
It could enable solutions such as zero-emissions
geofencing and dynamic road management
based on real-time traffic updates. Historically,
car manufacturers have been reluctant to share
vehicle data, but Ford is inviting competitors to
participate in the TMC, shaping its evolution for
the common good.
“It’s quite an open way of thinking,” says
Scott. “Using data intelligently is as valuable
as the data itself. Consolidating the breadth of
data from cities and vehicles gives the world
a platform on which developers can build
innovative solutions.”
Ford paid some drivers to participate in
its London study, but in future Scott hopes
to demonstrate value in sharing private vehicle
data on an altruistic basis.
“We take sharing and consent very seriously,”
he says. “We’re in a transitional period and
showing the benefits of our tools will be critical
to their success. If we can demonstrate that, by
sharing your data, you are improving road
safety for the greater good, then it’s a win-win.
Ford benefits, the city benefits and users of
our vehicles benefit.
“When we started out, we didn’t know
where this project would lead,” Scott adds.
“As we went on, our thinking evolved and
we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. Beyond
London, beyond 160 vehicles, we want everyone
to engage in the possibilities of where this
journey might take us.” n
SMART DATA |
Right: The functions
of the Transportation
Mobility Cloud (TMC)
being demonstrated
at the Consumer
Electronics Show
(CES) in Las Vegas
090 Intertraffic World | Annual Showcase 2020