Breakthrough for ImFlow, a new generation adaptive traffic control system

• Real-time translation of traffic policy becomes possible

Gouda - Royal Imtech N.V. (IM-AE, technical services provider in and outside Europe) announces that ImFlow, a high-tech adaptive traffic control system, has been launched successfully onto the international traffic market. This new Imtech technology enables real-time translation of traffic policy. Imtech is responsible for traffic control in various large European cities and has a substantial order book worth tens of millions of euro. ImFlow optimises traffic control through better utilisation of existing traffic infrastructure, improving traffic flow and reducing environmental pollution. ImFlow recently won the prestigious international Intertraffic Innovation Award. A new order has also been won in Dublin.

René van der Bruggen, CEO Imtech: 'Effective and sustainable transport is of vital importance to the economy and the environment in a city or region. ImFlow makes it possible to translate traffic policy objectives into real-time, state-of-the-art traffic control. Traffic congestion and wasted vehicle hours are reduced. Public transport performance is improved, emissions are reduced significantly and traffic flow and the accessibility of cities in a region improve considerably. With ImFlow a huge step is being taken in the international traffic market.'

Adaptive and real-time traffic policy is possible
ImFlow is a flexible traffic control system that can be utilised at intersections, corridors and large city networks. The uniqueness of ImFlow is its real-time adaptive algorithm that automatically translates policy into optimal traffic flow. ImFlow supports multi-criteria optimisation at network, route and intersection levels. Policy objectives can be defined for each level, with local policy also being awarded a certain 'weight'. This introduces balance in prioritising the various traffic streams, such as slow-moving traffic, public transport, car traffic, heavy goods traffic and emergency services.

Countless applications to improve traffic flow and environment
Public transport is given smart priority, but ImFlow also gives information to pedestrians and cyclists about the remaining waiting time for traffic lights. ImFlow can even communicate with individual vehicles that use the newest (cooperative) technology. Vehicles 'give' information that's relevant to traffic control, and drivers receive information and advice about current waiting times for traffic lights and congestion, which enables them to contribute towards better traffic flow. Other applications include: design of traffic circulation plans, dynamic 'green' waves, combating cut-through driving, prioritising emergency services and eco-driving for heavy goods traffic for an improved city environment.

Recent order in Dublin
Imtech (via the Peek business unit) submitted a proposal to Dublin City Council to maintain and manage the traffic control equipment. Introducing new methods to manage the accessibility of technical traffic services in Dublin. This has resulted in a five-year maintenance contract with the possibility of a three-year extension. Imtech will maintain the traffic lights at approximately 800 locations in the city, as well as the adaptive traffic control system. The glass fibre communications network, including transmission equipment, and approximately 1,800 illuminated traffic bollards for public lighting are also part of the contract. Imtech is also replacing or improving existing induction detection loops. Via service specialists' PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) the fault management system receives online communication of service updates, guaranteeing high-quality and efficient traffic system maintenance. The contract provides a solid base for further growth of the Imtech business in Ireland; including additional traffic systems and public lighting services.