28th May, 2014
The Ogun Bureau of Transportation on Wednesday said it had started installing Intelligent Traffic Signal (ITS) lights to control traffic on major roads in the State.
Gbenga Opesanwo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, made this known at a press news conference in Abeokuta.
Opesanwo said the ITS would help in reducing travel time across the metropolis as opposed to the semi-automated lights that had been in use.
“We have completed the pilot phase of the deployment of ITS lights. These lights have cameras and sensors which detect the density of traffic and manage it accordingly.
“These components are also expandable and can be used for sundry purposes, including addressing security issues that may arise,” he said.
He underscored the importance of data collection and management in transportation, saying that the passenger flow pattern and travel demand were now being regularly conducted.
“The information captured is to be shared amongst relevant ministries, departments and agencies, including security agencies as may become necessary.
“For instance, we observed a 12.3 per cent increase in vehicular traffic within the state capital in a three months period between August and November 2013.
“We have also captured 73,000 motorcyclists on our data base using the platform of the Riders Card Scheme.”
Opesanwo said the agency would exploit other modes of transportation while the riverine areas would receive some form of intervention.