Making sense of data from different sources
The team collected data from 6,000 traffic and cycling sensors, automated traffic counters, bluetooth devices, automatic number plate recognition cameras and CCTV. As the data was collected and processed in different ways by various authorities, the team applied a schema to collate the data into a useable, consistent format for analysis.
As well as collecting motor vehicle movements, the team also processed cycling datasets covering 29 local authorities and parking datasets from 30 providers, totalling 11.5 million movements. The traffic and cycling data pipeline now collates data into a central repository to support analysis. This provides key intelligence for the DfT and other Departments in Government, including areas such as economic activity and the take-up of active travel.
The insights from the data pipeline were published as weekly digests by the TTF, the UK’s forum funded by the DfT and Innovate UK that seeks to bring leadership, direction and support to stimulate investment in innovation and technology solutions within transport. The project team also shared data with local authorities, which they can use to inform planning decisions and better meet the changing needs of the public.
This work provides an increased understanding of the whole transport network in England, presenting exciting applications beyond its original purpose. The data is expected to inform future transport infrastructure and policy decisions, such as where new infrastructure may be needed to meet demand.
The project was announced as the ITS-UK ‘Project of the Year’ in 2020 and was highly commended in the category for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Covid-19 Response’ at the British Construction Industry Awards, which both acknowledged the important role it played in responding to the pandemic.