Planning and design aspects of area traffic control systems

Area traffic control involves the harmonious operation of a number of intersections controlled by traffic signals. These signals may be in linear network or combined arrangement and a number of different techniques are available to link the individual signals with the master control station. The functions performed at and by the master station can range through a wide variety of options in the fields of traffic control, data collection and dissemination and system supervision. Decisions upon these options have a direct bearing upon the equipment necessary to perform the required functions, which in term may vary with the individual area(s) to be controlled. This paper discusses some of the planning aspects that are necessary to define the requirements from the options that are available.