Drivers in Salford could benefit from smoother journeys thanks to a new project between Google and Transport for Greater Manchester.

The Green Light Project involves using AI to improve traffic flow and reducing stop-and-go emissions.

As a part of the project, Google are said to have reviewed traffic movements and provided recommendations where there was potential for signal timing changes.

At one junction where recommendations were used, the changes were said to have resulted in an average improvement of 9% during the morning peak period and 18% during the afternoon peak period.

The analysis and reporting manager for TfGM, Dave Atkin, said: “Greater Manchester’s road network – which includes 2,400 traffic signals and millions of journeys every week – is complex and managing it is a challenge when balancing the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users.

“With traffic levels now at or beyond pre-pandemic levels, we are working really hard to tackle congestion and are delighted to be amongst the first areas in the World – and the first in the UK – to work with Google on the innovative Green Light initiative.”

The aim is to make the network run as efficiently and sustainably as possible and the pilot is said to have provided valuable insights.

The recommendations did not always lead to changes in signal timings due to signals often being used to provide priority to buses, pedestrians or to encourage route choice.

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