UG405 sets out to offer telecoms guidelines
C Debell · Traffic engineering & control · 2004
In an effort to find cost effective communications alternatives to BT leased lines for UTC systems, Hampshire CC commissioned a study to ensure that the correct communications strategy was put in place. The study found this unachievable due to the fast rate of communications technology development. This situation resulted in the Department for Transport (DFT) commissioning the UG405 Optimising Communications in Urban Traffic Control Systems project to address the issue with a consortium of local authorities and traffic system experts. The technologies being examined involve packet switches, designed to send data in packets rather than continuously, and also expanding bandwidths, enabling more than one data stream to use a link, all in the context of UTC requirements. The article describes TRL-SCOOT developments for an enhanced version known as SCOOT V5 for packet-switched communications. Details are given of developments by Hampshire and Sheffield councils, as well as Transport for London, in developing networks during UTMC trials.