Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) has welcomed the announcement by the Department for Transport, through the Transport Technology Forum, of the local authorities who will receive funding from the £50 million for traffic signals set out in the Plan for Drivers.
Said Sugarman: “Congratulations to the many local authorities who have been awarded traffic signals funding today, whether to support the replacement of obsolete or ageing equipment, or to tune up traffic signals. This is a great opportunity for the industry, including many ITS UK members, to work with transport authorities across the country to support a more efficient, effective and greener road network.
“We look forward to hearing more about the funding at the Transport Technology Forum Conference, and to the opening of the Intelligent Traffic Management Fund for applications, next month, which will support innovative new technology in traffic management.”
The first authority to publicly announce that it was on the successful list was Portsmouth City Council, who branded it a “significant milestone” in its efforts to improve traffic management and road safety across the city. With the successful £500k funding award from the Department for Transport, Portsmouth is set to take a leap forward in its modernisation of traffic signals.
This funding, secured through both the Green Light Fund and Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant, reflects Portsmouth’s commitment to delivering cleaner, greener, and easier travel for everyone.
The breakdown of funding allocation for Portsmouth includes:
• £500,000 from the Green Light Fund: This substantial allocation will enable the tune up of traffic signals to better reflect current traffic conditions and get traffic flowing. This will be integrated into ongoing Colas Life Cycle Replacement works for traffic lights, maximising the impact of this investment.
• £71,700 from the Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant: Designated specifically to upgrade traffic signal systems, replacing unreliable and obsolete equipment to improve reliability. This funding will ensure the reliability and efficiency of Portsmouth’s traffic signal infrastructure.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Getting this funding is a big deal for Portsmouth. It means we can update our traffic lights to make traffic flow better, keep roads safer, and make our transport system more eco-friendly. We’re really committed to making the most out of this for everyone in the community.”
(Picture – Yunex Traffic)
