Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2069

Application of AI and IoT in Traffic Management of

Large Metropolitan Cities
Anay Kushwaha
Nahar International School

Abstract:- Urban traffic congestion is a growing problem  Pollution and Health Issues
worldwide, leading to wasted time, fuel, and increased Traffic congestion is a major contributor to air pollution,
emissions. To address this challenge, smart traffic which can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and
management systems powered by the Internet of Things even cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that
(IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are emerging as a 4.2 million people die prematurely each year due to outdoor
promising solution. This paper explores how these air pollution, with a significant portion linked to traffic
technologies can be combined to create a more efficient emissions [2].
and sustainable traffic management system for large cities.
 Public Transportation Strain
I. INTRODUCTION As more people crowd into cities, existing public
transportation systems become overwhelmed. This can lead to
Smart city models are one of the pivotal segments to the longer wait times, crowded vehicles, and unreliable service,
structure of the system discussed. A smart city model discouraging people from using public transport and further
comprises usage of IoT devices that are set up everywhere, at adding to road congestion. A 2019 report by the American
each intersection and traffic junction, to make traffic Public Transportation Association found that public transit
management and city transit easier tasks and smoother ridership in the U.S. has declined for the 10th consecutive year
processes. Some key concepts need to be covered before the [3].
main system is discussed. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is the
simulation of human intelligence processes by machines. It is With the introduction of AI and IoT in the traffic
teaching an algorithm to take information and make decisions management system, the intensity of these challenges could be
independently in a similar way as a human being. IoT stands mitigated significantly, making commuting and transportation
for Internet of Things. It is the network of physical devices in cities a much easier task. The implementation of such a
like home appliances, vehicles and items that can connect and program could truly revolutionize traffic management and
exchange data. These devices must have electronics, sensors, how it’s done, making it so essential to the world.
software, actuators and connectivity in order to be in a
network with each other. But why is all this important? Why II. HOW DO THESE SYSTEMS WORK
should it be implemented in traffic management? Some of the
statistics explaining this issue are presented below These systems leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) by
deploying a network of sensors on roads and vehicles. These
 Congestion and Gridlock sensors collect real-time data on traffic flow, weather, and
Traffic congestion in major cities is a major economic even accidents. This data is then fed into a central hub and
burden. A study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute analyzed by AI algorithms. The AI can then predict
found that in 2021, traffic congestion cost the U.S. economy congestion hotspots, adjust traffic light timings dynamically,
$887.3 billion in wasted time and fuel [1]. That's an average of and even suggest alternate routes to drivers. This not only
$1,348 per commuter annually. reduces traffic jams but also improves safety by enabling
faster incident detection and response times.

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2069

Fig 1 System Diagram

We will discuss key components of the system in detail. signal timing in order to reduce congestion and keep transit
through the intersection as smooth as possible.
A. Data Collection and Preparation ● Vehicle detectors work identical to traffic light sensors,
The main system involves a lot of IoT devices set up all except they’re located at all the roads in the city to
around the city and algorithms to assess the information showcase incoming traffic for intersections. This provides
received from these devices to produce real time solutions. additional information to the model’s algorithm mentioned
in the previous paragraph and ensures more precise
Setting up IoT devices at every traffic junction is one of decisions.
the first steps to establishing an IoT network in a city for the ● Weather sensors are also going to be a part of the model.
model. These will provide real time information regarding Weather conditions play a very important role in traffic
situations at each traffic junction, showcasing whether traffic congestion for a city, which makes monitoring weather
is heavy or not. There will be four types of devices used for conditions a very integral part of the model. Through these
the model: traffic cameras, traffic light sensors, vehicle sensors, the model can monitor weather conditions for
detectors and weather sensors. specific regions in a city itself, making it far more accurate
● Traffic cameras are the most common out of all four of in terms of data, and also helping with traffic management.
these devices. They’re already present in most large cities, An intersection in a region where weather conditions are
and serve as a primary source of information regarding the bad will most likely have a lot more traffic congestion than
traffic on each traffic junction in a city. They provide real an intersection in a region where weather conditions are
time data, allowing the model to easily monitor traffic comparatively better. Data from these sensors will enable
congestion and analyze traffic patterns, making them very the model’s algorithms to allow the model to anticipate
crucial to the model itself. weather related traffic disruptions and help it come up with
● Traffic light sensors are also part of the model. Their appropriate solutions to those disruptions to keep traffic
main role in the system is to detect the number of vehicles flow in the city smooth.
waiting in an intersection and give that data to the model.
The model then accordingly decides the optimum traffic

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2069

All of these sensors send information to the model ● The next code is the Communication code. This code
through wired or wireless communication networks, which basically runs through the model once more to ensure all
stores it all in a database for information that is updated the data received is correct and all the steps taken are
constantly. The data received can be stored in multiple appropriate. It communicates with all the components of
parameters such as vehicle count, speed, occupancy rate, the model, ensuring seamless data exchange throughout the
weather conditions, etc. model to avoid any errors. It also controls all the data
transmission in the model, and is responsible for encoding
B. Types of Codes in the Model and decoding data, while also checking and handling
Now let’s look at the codes in the model. This section transmission errors.
outlines the functionalities of various codes within an AI- ● Finally, given that traffic management is a system that is
powered traffic management system. The first code, the data still monitored by authorities, there will be a code to
cleaning code, ensures data accuracy by identifying and showcase all the information received and decisions made
correcting errors. The data analysis code then interprets traffic by the model to those authorities in a user friendly manner.
situations at intersections, identifies patterns, and predicts This requires a User Interface code, which basically
future events based on sensor data. This information is used by represents all the data from the model to the authorities so
the traffic control code to dynamically adjust traffic signals, they can ensure the model is operating properly and correct
optimizing flow and reducing congestion. A communication any errors manually if the need arises.
code oversees seamless data exchange, transmission, and error
handling throughout the system. Finally, a user interface code C. AI Algorithms That Are In The Model
presents processed data and decisions made by the model to This model contains AI algorithms to make it more
traffic authorities for monitoring and potential manual effective. These AI algorithms are machine learning
intervention. classifiers, clustering algorithms and predictive analysis
algorithms.
● Starting off, we’ll have a basic Data Cleaning code that
ensures all the data received isn’t erroneous. For example, Starting off with machine learning classifiers, they’re
some data received may be missing a digit, making the part of the data analysis code. They basically categorize all the
data erroneous. In such cases, the algorithm will prompt information received from the different components of the
for new data and run the code once more. Once the error data collection segment of the model into different parameters.
has been corrected, the data will be stored in the database. Once that’s done, they go through the information and run a
● The next code is the Data Analysis code. Once the data basic analysis check to recognize any possible traffic patterns
has been checked thoroughly and sent to the database, it that may require further investigation.
will then be analyzed to interpret situations at each
intersection and identify patterns in traffic around that ● Clustering algorithms group together similar traffic
intersection. This will help authorities to understand what patterns, hence called “clustered”. They run through the
intersections have heavy traffic congestion, hence allowing data and try to group patterns so they can be analyzed and
the model to make decisions on traffic signals more dealt with at the same time. This reduces the time spent by
effectively. It will also make predictions on potential the model in making decisions on the traffic signals,
future traffic events by considering the information making it more efficient. It also helps in developing
received. e.g. If data from sensors on an intersection shows strategies to deal with those patterns in the future as well.
there is heavy traffic congestion on it, the algorithm will ● Predictive Analytic algorithms also are present in the
predict possible traffic accidents and future traffic data analysis code. They make predictions on the basis of
congestion on that intersection. information received from the sensors and the information
● Once the data goes through the data analysis code, it goes generated from the other two algorithms to predict future
through the Traffic Control code. This code will mainly traffic situations. Referring to the example used earlier, if
be utilizing all the data received from the sensors and the the traffic on an intersection is very heavy, this algorithm
new data deduced from the data analysis code to make may predict traffic congestion in the future, with
decisions on the signals. Continuing the example from possibilities of traffic accidents as well. These predictions
before, this code will take the prediction made by the are helpful in the next code, as showcased earlier.
previous code into account and make decisions on the
traffic signals accordingly to lead other traffic away from D. Control Systems In The Model
that particular intersection. This way, the intersection will There are some control systems in this model that are
not be so heavily congested, reducing the chances of utilized for managing and optimizing various aspects of traffic
possible traffic accidents as well. Over time, once the flow and operations. The control systems in this model are
traffic congestion on the intersection reduces, the model adaptive traffic signals, Variable Message Signs (VMS) and
will start to redirect more traffic towards the intersection Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
once more to ensure normal transit.

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 Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2069

● Adaptive Traffic Signals utilize AI algorithms to adjust In terms of sustainability, the model plays a significant
signal timings dynamically, responding to real-time traffic role in reducing environmental impact. By reducing
conditions. By optimizing signal phasing, cycle lengths, congestion and optimizing traffic flow, it contributes to lower
and green times based on current traffic flow and queue fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and a smaller
lengths, they minimize delays, improve intersection environmental footprint, aligning with broader sustainability
throughput, and reduce overall travel time for motorists. goals. Smoother traffic flow with fewer stop-and-go situations
Unlike traditional fixed schedules, adaptive signals leads to less idling and reduced emissions. A study by the
efficiently adapt to changing congestion levels and demand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that idling
fluctuations, enhancing traffic flow and reducing vehicles can contribute up to 25% of total vehicle emissions
congestion. ([6]). Moreover, the model enhances the user experience by
● Variable Message Signs (VMS) are electronic display providing real-time information to motorists via variable
boards on roadways that offer real-time traffic information message signs and mobile apps, enabling informed decision-
to motorists. They convey messages like travel times, lane making, reducing frustration, and enhancing overall travel
closures, detours, weather alerts, and emergencies. VMS experiences. A pilot program in San Francisco using AI for
enhances safety by keeping drivers informed about current traffic management led to a 17% reduction in idling time ([7])
road conditions and potential hazards, thus reducing
accidents and mitigating the impact of traffic disruptions. The benefits of the integrated traffic management model
● Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) comprise diverse extend beyond improved traffic flow and safety to include
technologies aiming to enhance transportation systems' significant cost savings for both individuals and businesses.
efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Alongside AI and Optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion lead to
IoT, ITS may feature connected vehicle technologies, reduced fuel consumption, lower vehicle maintenance costs,
smart infrastructure, traffic management software, and and increased productivity, resulting in tangible economic
advanced traveler information systems. By amalgamating benefits. Additionally, the model's use of advanced
data from various sources and utilizing advanced analytics, technologies such as AI and IoT ensures scalability and
ITS empower traffic management authorities to make adaptability to future transportation needs, allowing for
informed decisions, optimize traffic flow, and improve continued improvements and enhancements over time. As
overall system performance, thus fostering safer, more urban populations grow and transportation demands evolve,
efficient, and sustainable transportation networks. the integrated traffic management model provides a
sustainable and efficient solution to meet the challenges of
III. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE urban mobility in the years ahead.
MODEL
B. Disadvantages
A. Advantages While the model has its advantages and upsides, it also
There are many advantages to the utilization of this has its disadvantages.
model.
The integrated model of traffic management offers
The integrated model of traffic management offers a substantial benefits, but it also presents several notable
multifaceted approach to addressing urban mobility challenges. Firstly, the cost of implementing AI, IoT, and
challenges, providing a range of benefits that enhance both control systems into existing traffic infrastructure can be
efficiency and sustainability. By dynamically adjusting signal substantial, potentially straining the budgets of municipalities
timings, rerouting vehicles, and providing real-time and transportation agencies. Moreover, the complexity of
information to motorists, the model improves traffic flow, implementing and maintaining advanced technologies like AI
effectively reducing congestion and minimizing travel times. and IoT may necessitate specialized expertise and ongoing
Los Angeles implemented an adaptive traffic signal system in technical support, leading to increased complexity and
downtown. The system resulted in a 16% reduction in travel potential difficulties in system operation and maintenance.
time and a 10% decrease in emissions ([5]). Additionally, real- Implementing a city-wide IoT network requires significant
time monitoring and predictive analytics contribute to upfront costs for sensors, communication infrastructure, data
enhanced safety by identifying potential hazards and storage, and computational power. A 2022 study by McKinsey
mitigating risks, resulting in fewer accidents and safer road & Company estimates that smart city infrastructure
conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. Furthermore, the investments could reach $1.5 trillion globally by 2025 ([8]).
model enables efficient resource allocation through predictive Maintaining a vast network of sensors and ensuring seamless
analytics, facilitating proactive planning and optimization of integration with existing traffic management systems can be
infrastructure, personnel, and emergency services to complex and expensive.
effectively respond to traffic incidents and emergencies.

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2069

Additionally, the collection and analysis of large accessibility. Additionally, adherence to sustainable practices,
volumes of traffic data raise concerns about privacy and such as using renewable energy sources and implementing
security. Unauthorized access to sensitive data or system electronic waste recycling programs, can minimize the
breaches could compromise user privacy and expose environmental impact. Finally, policymakers can streamline
vulnerabilities in the transportation network. Furthermore, the regulatory processes and foster a supportive policy
reliance on technology for traffic management introduces a environment to encourage innovation and overcome
risk of system failures or disruptions due to software bugs, regulatory and policy challenges. Through these concerted
hardware malfunctions, cyberattacks, or network outages, efforts, the benefits of the integrated traffic management
potentially resulting in service interruptions and safety model can be maximized while mitigating its inherent
concerns. The vast amount of traffic data collected by the disadvantages.
system, including vehicle location and movement patterns,
raises privacy concerns. In 2020, a security breach in a IV. CONCLUSION
German smart city project exposed personal data of thousands
of citizens ([9]). A complex network of sensors and connected In conclusion, the integrated traffic management model
devices creates potential vulnerabilities for cyberattacks. A utilizing AI, IoT, and control systems offers a transformative
2021 ransomware attack on a Florida city's traffic solution to urban mobility challenges. While inherent
management system disrupted traffic lights, causing gridlock complexities and potential drawbacks exist, the model's
([10]). benefits are substantial: improved traffic flow, enhanced
safety, efficient resource allocation, and sustainability.
Moreover, there's a risk of algorithmic bias in AI Overcoming technological, regulatory, and accessibility
algorithms used for traffic management, which may barriers through collaboration, innovation, and proactive
inadvertently perpetuate or amplify existing biases in the data, measures unlocks the model's immense potential to create
leading to unequal treatment of certain demographic groups or safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation systems
areas and exacerbating social disparities in access to that meet the evolving needs of our cities and communities.
transportation resources. Additionally, despite advancements
in technology, not all segments of the population may have REFERENCES AND CITATIONS
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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR2069

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