SCOOT - A TRAFFIC RESPONSIVE METHOD OF COORDINATING SIGNALS

Traffic signals in urban areas are often coordinated (linked) together on "fixed time" plans that are pre-set to suit average conditions. "SCOOT" (split, cycle and offset optimisation technique) is a new method of coordination that adjusts the signal timings in frequent, small increments to match the latest traffic situation. Data from vehicle detectors are analysed by an on-line computer which contains programs that calculate and implement those timings that are predicted to minimise congestion. SCOOT is designed for general application within computerised urban traffic control systems. The research and development of SCOOT has been carried out by TRRL and the Department of Transport and Industry in collaboration with the Ferranti, GEN and Plessey traffic systems companies. As part of this work, SCOOT systems have been implemented in Glasgow and Coventry and traffic surveys have been conducted by TRRL on a total of 62 signals. It is concluded that SCOOT reduces vehicle delay by an average of about 12 per cent compared with up-to-date optimised fixed time plans; further substantial benefits are likely where, as is often the case, the fixed time plans are based on old traffic data. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02667045
• Corporate Authors:

  Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)

  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • HUNT, P B
  • ROBERTSON, D I
  • BRETHERTON, R D
  • Winton, R I
• Publication Date: 1981

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 41 p.
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Transport and Road Research Laboratory
  • Publisher: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
  • ISSN: 0266-7045

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Area traffic signal control; Automatic data collection systems; Computer online services; Computer programs; Computers; Data collection; Optimization; Traffic congestion; Traffic delays; Traffic signal control systems; Traffic signal cycle; Traffic signal timing; Traffic signals; Traffic surveys; Urban areas; Vehicle detectors
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases; Optimum
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: On line computers
• ITRD Terms: 669: Area traffic control; 632: Congestion (traffic); 576: Cycle (traffic signals); 8623: Data acquisition; 9009: Decrease; 9010: Delay; 8673: Digital computer; 597: Linked signals; 8645: Software; 565: Traffic signal; 676: Traffic survey; 8119: United Kingdom; 313: Urban area
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00348845
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: LR 1014 Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: May 28 1982 12:00AM