Companies news Yunex contract renewed Transport for London (TfL) has awarded Yunex Traffic a 200m contract to install and maintain traffic signals across 21 of Londons 32 boroughs and the City of London. Covering the maintenance of more than 4,000 traffic signal sites, 91 variable message signs and 30 over-height vehicle detector sites, the contract also includes the design, supply and installation of new infrastructure. The contract will run for up to 10 years and builds on the work that Yunex Traffic has undertaken for TfL for more than 25 years. It will ensure that the infrastructure is operating safely, effectively and efficiently, as well as supporting the Mayor of Londons Vision Zero aims of reducing emissions. AI helps improve congestion VivaCity has announced the launch of its latest signalling solution, Smart Signal Control: AI for Detection, which is the integration of VivaCitys highly accurate multimodal road-user data into existing urban traffic control systems. This solution enables junctions to operate more efficiently by responding to real-time demand, and allows optimisation for active travel road users and the setting up of multiple detection zones. In addition, it offers a wide range of traffic monitoring datasets, including vehicle paths and classified counts of a range of transport types, such as e-scooters, pedestrians, cyclists and buses. Compatible with Yunex, Swarco, and Telent signal controllers, it is a multimodal alternative to induction loops, with reduced maintenance liability and maximised responsiveness. In Leeds, more than 180 AI for Detection sensors are enabling the city to tackle congestion with an innovative approach, thanks to the real-time detection of buses, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users at junctions. Integrating multimodal detection data into the councils existing control systems is enabling more dynamic and responsive signal control and less stop-start traffic. Joel Dodsworth, urban traffic management and control manager at Leeds City Council, said: Were seeing real potential for this technology to improve our bus network, because it will enable us to prioritise buses at junctions more effectively at crucial times of the day, while also balancing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. The sensors breadth of datasets will support our other sustainable transport initiatives and our overall understanding of road-user behaviours that can help direct future transport investment. Mark Nicholson, CEO and co-founder at VivaCity, said: There is a real need for data to help better inform local authorities, enabling them to level up their infrastructure. In particular, AI for Detection has the power to support bus service improvements and identify groups of pedestrians, and can make a real, measurable impact on network performance. Parking information tops list of most-wanted by motorists PoGo partners up with hotel group PoGo, a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has signed a major partnership agreement with Kew Green Hotels that will create 40 accessible EV charging hubs at hotel brands including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, voco and Courtyard by Marriott. The EV charging hubs will be in prime locations across the UK. This announcement comes three weeks after the official launch of the PoGo network. Parking space availability close to destinations is now the top requested in-car information service for drivers, according to a report carried out by TechInsights. The latest Connected Features Interest Survey Report assessed 28 connected features with almost 5,000 drivers in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and China, who were asked to rank their interest in each service. Driving and journey-related functionality, such as assessing the availability of parking spaces near a destination, traffic alerts, and being able to pay for parking, fuel and tolls from the car are among the most desirable features globally. The survey results show drivers increasing expectation for parking to be seamlessly integrated into the in-car navigation process. The data highlights how in-car payments have gone from being predominantly used by early adopters to becoming a highly desirable function. The rising demand for in-vehicle payments covers services such as parking, fuel, tolls and food across all age groups and technology engagement levels. The results show drivers gaining increased confidence using these services as a result of the reduction in complexity. Duncan Licence, chief product officer at Parkopedia, said: As our roads get busier and drivers lives become more hectic; we are not surprised to see demand for journeyrelated connected features that make driving safer and more convenient continuing to rise. The challenge for OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] is to prioritise the most in-demand services and provide a holistic driving experience with the seamless integration of navigation and parking services to take the stress out of drivers journeys. 10 PN May 2023 pp10-11 Companies News.indd 10 25/04/2023 11:02