Tech leader Cisco has been selected by Swindon Borough Council to deliver a smart transport network across the town.
The project, in partnership with Davra Networks, will gather and analyse real-time data to improve mobility and safety, reduce congestion and improve traffic management.
Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), Cooperative-Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) and Smart Infrastructure Competition, the initiative will look to improve traffic management on key routes.
It will provide real-time traffic information to the people of Swindon and deliver updates to commuters to help them avoid congestion.
Councils are under growing pressure to find long term solutions to the issue of traffic congestion, which it is predicted could cost the UK more than £300bn over the next 10 years.
Scot Gardner, chief executive of Cisco in the UK and Ireland, said: “Unlocking congestion on our roads has tremendous opportunity to improve productivity in the UK and technology, specifically digitisation, has a key role to play in helping solve this age old challenge.
“As a company, we are committed to the development of Smart City projects and as such, we are delighted to have been invited by Swindon Borough Council to help them provide a better experience for road users.
“We look forward to seeing the project evolve, highlighting the impact smart technology can have on people in Swindon and hope to see similar programmes rolled out in every town and city within the UK and beyond.”
The project will be supported by an initial deployment of Cisco solutions, including a number of elements of the Smart+Connected Cities portfolio.
Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Keith Williams, added: “Every urban location suffers from congestion, and Swindon is no different.
“The smart transport initiative, in conjunction with Cisco, is the next step to ensuring that we can optimise the roads in our town and, ultimately, ensure our citizens are safe while traveling around.
“We are looking forward to kicking off the project, utilising the real-time data and experiencing the benefits that this technology can offer.
Luke Manuel, UK sales manager of Davra Networks, said: “We are very excited by this opportunity with Cisco and Swindon Borough Council to continue to grow out our award winning IoT Platform by delivering real-time traffic data for the residents and businesses of Swindon.”