There are over 300 Past Papers available from previous Symposia and we will be gradually adding these to this website. Past Papers from 2022 onwards are exclusively available from here but if you want to view and download Papers from earlier years please visit the main JCT website http://www.jctconsultancy.co.uk/Symposium/symposium.php
Past Papers
2024 (19)
- Showcasing the importance of data integrity Insights from Cycling Scotland’s National Data Integration – Gavin Jackman – Iona Chandler & Simon Tricker – Urban TideThe paper underscores the importance of integrating future technologies, data, and active travel planning to enhance transport networks and promote sustainable modes. It emphasises the need for a holistic approach, utilising open data and enhancing data integrity to inform decision-making and encourage a shift towards sustainable travel choices. The case study in Scotland showcases how […]
- Public Roads but Private Vehicles – Mark Pleydell – PTC LtdWINNER : Most Thought Provoking Paper. On-line consumer services from Deliveroo, alternatives to Taxis from Uber, optimised route navigation by Waze, hoards of Amazon deliveries, all of these have altered the numbers and types of traffic on our road network and affected our ability to move people and goods around. How did we get here, […]
- Traffic Modelling and Flow Rates from Floating Vehicle data Peter Richards – National Highways & Jason Loader – 4way ConsultingAlmost every vehicle carries a mobile phone, (not forgetting eCall) the whereabouts of which is known to the service provider. We can buy in that data to learn about traffic movements anywhere. No need for loops, CCTV, or manual counting. At busy times there is a theoretical and demonstrable mathematical relation between speed and flow […]
- Modelling Pedestrian Stages Better – Tobias Moeller – Transport for Greater ManchesterAll-red pedestrian stages are usually modelled based on an assumption – such as appearing every cycle or every other cycle. A more sophisticated approach is required to provide more accurate modelling. This paper will outline how an assumed uniform pedestrian distribution can be used to predict the appearance frequency of demand dependent pedestrian stages, using […]
- Design Perception and Driver Behaviour – Chris Kennett & Ethan Baxter – CKC ConsultancyWINNER : IHE Judges Special award of Merit for a Presentation. Why do drivers persistently use wrong lanes or run red lights when we have provided clear information? When we create designs, can we get the driver behaviour we want just by telling them what to do? Or is perception more important than information? This […]
- How should we use Artificial Intelligence in Traffic Systems – Alistair Gollop – ITS NowOver the past few years, we have seen increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in equipment and systems used for traffic management. However, at this point, their application is rather sporadic and lacks a cohesive approach to their use to achieve a strategic implementation. Most vendors are using AI for specific applications and to provide […]
- The SI Interface – A new standard for long-range C-ITS communication with roadside equipment – Nicolas Mercier – MonotchOne of the fruits of the Dutch Talking Traffic program is the realisation of a standard for exchanging C-ITS messages with Traffic Light Controllers (TLCs). The standard was developed in a workgroup including the leading European Union TLC vendors Dynniq, Swarco, and Yunex and has been implemented on a large scale in The Netherlands. This […]
- A pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence to manage traffic – Keith McCabe – Simplifai Systems et alAn Artificial Intelligence heuristic, born out of space exploration techniques, has been applied to address and improve complex traffic congestion in Hull City. The system utilises existing traffic data to create dynamic models of the traffic, allowing a spectrum of approaches to be applied through traffic signal timing adjustments. We will look at the nature […]
- Case Study – Loop Replacement Technologies – Local Wireless Detector Connection – Scott Hatcher Coeval & Jackie Davies – Bath and North East Somerset CouncilIt is widely recognised that replacing damaged and failed loops is a disruptive and slow process and while the loops are not operating junction performance suffers.We will describe a solution that has been used on-street to reinstate detection quickly and reliably with minimal TM and low risk to the installers.
- Taking a second look getting a bit more from your current crossing assets – Andrew Caleya Chetty – Starling TechnologiesVehicle and pedestrian detection at signalised crossings is familiar and widely used, but the data conceals more information than the simple something/nothing outputs. This paper explores what additional benefits can be extracted from existing equipment and applied to traffic control at the crossing and further afield.
- Get on your bike! Interpreting and evolving signal design guidance and practice for cycles – Tom Siddall – 4way ConsultingFollowing from previous presentations and discussions at the symposium and based on experience gained across numerous recent cycle signal designs, from simple crossings to multiple major Cyclops arrangements, the paper and presentation will highlight some unusual layouts, innovative approaches to improving cycle facilities, and discuss the oddities, omissions and ambiguities in design requirements from LTN […]
- How TfL’s Network Performance Delivery put the “super” in Superloop – Michael Bloomfield – Transport for LondonWINNER : Overall Best Paper. In Spring 2023, the “Superloop” was announced. The Superloop will provide a network of limited-stop express bus routes, circling the capital, enabling quicker connections to key outer London town centres, hospitals, railway stations, and transport hubs. As part of the launch, Network Performance Delivery (NPD) were a key partner in delivery. The entire […]
- National Highways work on the DMRB and MCHW for March 2025 – Jonathan Flynn – National Highways & Andrew Truscott – AkinsRealisIn 2025 the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) are due a re-write. This paper sets out the background as to what will come in the light of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, and increasing the safety and resilience of what exists already.
- Regulatory implications of local authority drone use for traffic signal infrastructure management – Peter Bull – SkyfarerExperiences with ImFlow in Cheshire East – John Ball – SWARCO & Jason Hole – Cheshire East CouncilDrones offer local authorities the opportunity to collect data on the condition and effectiveness of traffic signal infrastructure with increased safety, lower cost and with a lower carbon footprint. However, there are regulatory implications for the authority in deploying drones in-house or through a contractor. This paper from the Drone Ready Cities project will help […]
- Experiences with ImFlow in Cheshire East – John Ball – SWARCO & Jason Hole – Cheshire East CouncilWINNER : Most Innovative Paper. Cheshire East Council engaged SWARCO to deploy its latest adaptive traffic optimiser, ImFlow, at several problematic junctions. These junctions were previously under Fixed Time, Vehicle Actuated or MOVA control. Has ImFlow made things better?
- Operating a new Urban Traffic Control (UTC) system for the cities of Nicosia and Limassol in Cyprus Alexis A Avgoustis – Public Works Department Ministry of Transport Cyprus.Alex discusses the design and explains how they plan to have adaptive signals at both cities to manage the bus corridors but also provide emergency vehicle priority.
- Utilising the GO bit to manage critical internal queuing in a SCOOT network – Andrew Gellnick – Balfour BeattyIn a SCOOT network with short link lengths, such as a gyratory, queues can form which threaten to lock up the network. These may occur due to downstream congestion. One way to prevent this is to hold traffic back with gating or signal plans, but this can delay more traffic than necessary. There is also […]
- Petersfield Road Havant – Why and how did the Sparrow cross the road – Mark Andrews – Hytas & Jonathan Mundy – Hampshire County CouncilWINNER : Best Presentation. Mark Andrews – HyTras & Jonathan Mundy – Hampshire County Council present an overview of the complexities in designing the parallel aspects of a Sparrow Crossing
- A Journey from Parking Guidance into UTMC – Andrea Newman – SWARCOSWARCO have worked with a number of customers to support and deliver a program to take them from a standard parking guidance system into a fully integrated UTMC compatible system by providing a phased migration approach to allow customers to get a feel for the system. SWARCO have supported this phased approach by providing the […]
- Traffic Control in Greater Manchester – Where We Are and Where We Go Next – Chris Small – TfGMChris Small gives an overview of the traffic control systems in Greater Manchester, how they are managed and how they are working to improve their operation. TfGM will then move onto their ambitions and how they want to see the systems develop in line with changing policies. They will look at things on a network […]
- Squaring the Circle – Designing High Quality Cycling While Adding Traffic Capacity – Chris Kennett – Chris Kennett ConsultingThe construction of a new university campus in Peterborough posed a major problem for transport planning: how to provide the highest standards of walking and cycling links to the campus, while accommodating the associated increase in vehicle traffic? And all on the edge of a major City Centre. The scheme took a ‘blank page’ approach […]
- Every journey starts with a walk – Neil Rhoods -TRL & Hannah Tune – TfGMThe Bee Initiative, part of Manchester’s 2040 transport strategy aims to achieve a rate of 50% of all journeys being on foot, on cycle or on public transport by 2040. Among a variety of initiatives, TfGM have teamed up with TRL Software to roll out the first of its kind Active Travel component for its UTC […]
- One Eye On Preston – Lancashire’s First Cyclops – Michael Breathwick & Amardeep Sandhu – AtkinsWINNER: Most Innovative Paper 2023 Since first being developed by TfGM, the ‘CYCLOPS’ junction is now starting to be adopted by other authorities and evolved to meet the specific needs of new locations. Lancashire County Council, supported by Atkins, implemented their first CYCLOPS Junction in 2023 as part of the Preston Cycle Superhighway scheme. The […]
- When is a cycle gate not a cycle gate – Ashley Newnham – WSPWhen segregated cycle lanes were to be added to a street in Merseyside, the narrow highway meant an alternative design was needed as all the options shown in LTN 1/20 and Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 6 were either not feasible or not suitable. A run through how the eventual concept design for an alternative style […]
- The Tortoise and The Hare Modelling road user micro-journeys to determine accurate Intergreen times – Darren Hudson – Traffic Group TechnologyThe selection of appropriate intergreen times is an essential safety consideration for any traffic signal design. If the times chosen are too short, collisions or near-misses could result. At the other end of the scale, times that are too long impact on efficiency. Guidance states that the suitability of intergreen times can be determined through […]
- Developments in Pedestrian Metrics and their use in the Optimisation of Signalised Crossings – Andrew Caleya Chetty – Starling Technologies LtdPedestrian metrics are needed for traffic engineers to get insights into pedestrian behaviour. Because pedestrian behaviour is very different from vehicle behaviour then, while we still need flow, speed, density and delay, we also have to understand how the counter-propagating flows, the less well-defined mixing of pedestrians arriving and leaving a flow from different directions […]
- How we help buses – the RARR Process – Michael Bloomfield – Transport for LondonBus RARR is a holistic public transport route assessment concept that takes a multi-faceted approach to enhance a bus route proposition in terms of safety and performance. This will consider traffic systems enhancements, bus priority technology, road layout, bus stop position, modal behaviours as well as data analysis in order to optimise a specific bus […]
- Edgbaston Tram Extension – Hagley Road Terminus – Shane Collins & Dave Manning 4way ConsultingBirmingham recently extended its tram network from Grand Central Station to Hagley Road. This section of tramway was typically shared with traffic with a number of traffic signal junctions and signalised crossings along the route. terminating at a new terminus site on Hagley Road. During the design process 4way Consulting had a number of challenges […]
- The A45 Chowns Mill ‘throughabout, half-hamburger, walnut whip, moon and sun’ roundabout – Mark Roxburgh – National HighwaysWINNER : Overall Best Paper 2023 In 2021 National Highways completed the improvements to the A45 Chowns Mill roundabout following nearly 20 months of work. The scheme has delivered improved capacity, safety and walking/cycling routes. This paper explores the origins of the scheme, what other options were considered, the design philosophy behind the final layout […]
- A traffic signal compendium of interesting things from three recent projects- Tom Siddall – 4way ConsultingTom Siddall is a Principal Engineer at 4way Consulting and a regular Symposium presenter. Working on a wide variety of Traffic Signal projects Tom is in a particularly good position to provide insight into problems and propose interesting solutions. This year he will present a compendium of traffic signal issues:
- Identifying how to effectively plan and manage Intelligent Transport System assets, to enable innovation – Emily Madsen – Staffordshire County CouncilWINNER: IHE Judges Special Award of Merit for a Paper and Presentation When undertaking an MBA in Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Apprenticeship Emily identified the biggest barrier faced by Staffordshire County Councils ITS team: With limited budget, struggling to maintain the assets to the required level, and to keep the assets in a safe condition, […]
- Update to TfL Model Auditing Process – Lucy Beeston & Robert Blewitt – Transport for LondonThis paper provides a full overview of the MAP refresh which TfL are looking to publish this summer. It will outline all of the significant updates, additions and revisions across the board from HTA, Microsim, local modelling (Including LinSig) and pedestrian modelling.
- Digital Data for Traffic Signal Controllers – Mark Pleydell – PTC & Peter Routledge – IRCThis paper provides an overview of the current position of the Transport Technology Forum’sDigital Controller Interface Standard (DCIS) project, its objectives, the rationale for why the project isbeing undertaken and its current position in a continually developing arena.The focus will be on the technical content of the suite of files that allow digital representation ofsignal-controlled […]
- A pathway to fully connected services – Suku Phull – Department for TransportSuku Phull discusses how real-time traffic and travel information delivered directly to drivers can revolutionise travel and offer potential for improving safety, managing congestion and its effect on the environment.
- Improving Urban Traffic Control with live multimodal data in Leeds – Joel Dodsworth – Leeds City Council & Daniel Chambers – VivaCityLeeds, like many local councils in the UK, faces challenges in accessing high quality data for traffic control. The data we receive is outdated, incomplete, and inaccurate, leading to problems on our local roads and junctions. To tackle these challenges, Leeds City Council partnered with VivaCity. Using their Smart Signal Traffic Control product, which delivers […]
- The role of Intelligent Transport Systems in enhancing efficiencies and creating a more connected transport network throughout Derbyshire – Andrea Newman & David Hilton BarberSWARCO has worked with Derbyshire County Council to deliver an improved standard UTMC product core by adding new functionality, adapters and utilising externally APIs to make the most of commercially available data sources. Working with Derbyshire City Council, SWARCO has implemented a solution to the council’s problems by using our MyCity UTMC software to disseminate […]
- Distracted Driving – the new Drink Driving – Geoff Collins – AcusensusThis paper will explore the growing issue around drivers being distracted by their mobile phone, resulting in increased numbers of serious collisions where distraction has been noted as a causal factor. New technologies have been developed in Australia by Acusensus, where AI (Artificial Intelligence) based cameras are now being used operationally to identify drivers who […]
- Optimisation of Signalised Pedestrian Facilities for Sharply Changing Demands. – Andrew Caleya Chetty – Starling TechnologiesDrawing on experience from an on-going trials, this paper reviews what is available to traffic engineers to get the best from their pedestrian crossings under challenging and unpredictable levels of demand. It also considers metrics for pedestrians and the impact of optimisation on active travel. There is no written paper to accompany this presentation See […]
- Through-about and double-through-about junctions. – Jonathan Flynn – National Highways & Deepa Varma – WSPA paper on the design, installation and maintenance of traffic signals on through-about and double-through-about junctions. See all the 2022 Presentations on our YouTube Channel
- Everything that you need to know about Mobile Data but didn’t know what to ask. – Peter Simm – Mobius NetworksUsing mobile data has been fraught with difficulties over the years for UTMC applications. With few success stories. However, the world has just got more complicated and more dangerous with cyber-attacks on the increase, and a plethora of new methods to communicate with remote devices over the Mobile networks, based around the 5G standards. A […]
- Tall Tales: Poles, Heads and Arms. – Phil Shoobridge – JacobsFollowing Chris Kennett’s impassioned plea to stop what he perceived as the proliferation of tall poles, when he became the inaugural ranter on the 2021 Symposium’s Soap Box and encountering various degrees of high-level traffic signal head adoption from local authorities in Phil’s career, this paper ventures into territory well clear of the usual debates […]
- Prioritising Active Travel through next generation data. – John Chapman & Eliza Moyse – ngenius.ai & Alex Cliff – Norfolk County Councilngenius.ai are a start-up based in Norwich (at the University of East Anglia/Norwich Research Park) deploying cutting-edge AI which uses existing CCTV infrastructure to provide local authorities and highways authorities meaningful, accurate, real-time data to measure the way that the transport network operates. As well as their 24/7 connected camera model, they also provide local […]
- Conceptualising the next generation of Intelligent Traffic Signage. – Stewart Scotland Hill – TWMThis paper looks at the design concepts and vision applied to the development of next generation of Traffic Signage. Looking at utilisation, standardisation and modularity and applying it in novel ways to achieve new outcomes. It lays down the design principles and the design process associated with a new blue-sky development of traffic signage. This […]
- GLOSA in Manchester as part of an immersive national IVS system. – George Brown – KL SystemsThis paper describes the development and deployment of a practical GLOSA deployment at Radcliffe in Manchester using a second-by-second open data feed from a TRL/TfGM SCOOT 7 system. The SCOOT data was used to define traffic light objects in a cloud based In-Vehicle Signage (IVS) system alongside Virtual and physical VMS from National and local […]
- I told you so : the second coming of UTMC – Dr Shailesh Mistry – SwarcoFollowing on from Simon Notley’s Paper in 2021, Dr Shailesh Mistry picks up the story of the evolution of UTMC There is no written paper to accompany this presentation See all the 2022 Presentations on our YouTube Channel
- CYCLOPS Junction Design – Real Life Worked Examples – Charles Taylor – TfGMWINNER : Most Innovative paper 2022 In 2018, TfGM presented the “CYCLOPS – Creating Protected Junctions” paper at the JCT Symposium. Through this paper TfGM shared the concept of CYCLOPS – a design technique created by TfGM engineers that protects cyclists by providing an external orbital cycle route, separating cyclists from general traffic in space […]
- Is my signal design reasonable? Using different model outputs to enhance scheme designs. – Adam Greenland & Lucy Beeston – TfLSince 2016 TfL and London boroughs have, collectively, added 250km of new cycle routes. As we know, designing additional protected facilities for vulnerable users at signalised junctions is often difficult and complex as introducing additional conflicting phases reduces the capacity of junctions for other modes. Last year at JCT, TfL presented the 4th version of […]
- Five Second Minimum Green: Times they are a changin’ – Christopher Blucke & Jennifer Treen – TfLWINNER : Best Overall Paper 2022 Following the release of TSM Chapter 6, the minimum green to a full green traffic phase can be reduced to 5 seconds at sites with very low flows. TfL has undertaken on-street trials to assess the impact and benefit of reducing this minimum to 5 seconds with a focus […]
- Using Cloud-Based Software, leveraging high fidelity GPS ‘Trajectory’ Data to identify and understand signal performance network wide – Martin Rodgers & Dominic Paulo – INRIXThis paper and presentation highlights how cloud-based software, using GPS trajectory data can be used to discern which locations are operating “normally” and to identify areas of concern to begin troubleshooting for optimal performance in the context of current policy, be those issues with current timing plans, maintenance-based activities, etc. See all the 2022 Presentations […]
- Minimising Delays During Junction Improvements: Portable or Temporary Signals? – Gordon Stitt – SRL, Spencer Wilson & Martha Hoskins – Red Wilson AssociatesThis paper looks at the junction capacity implications of using portable vs temporary signals under UTC control when undertaking junction improvement works. LinSig and VISSIM have been used to demonstrate the benefit of introducing temporary signals at more complex junctions by comparing capacity, journey times, delay, and queueing. Further analysis has been undertaken across a […]
- Rethinking approaches to adaptive control – a FUSION update from Yunex Traffic – Dr Andrew Hamilton – Yunex TrafficDr Andy Hamilton provides an update on the development of FUSION – the company’s policy driven traffic management and adaptive control solution that is being developed and tested with Transport for London. Andy shares the latest development status and provides further performance results and insights following the most recent deployments in London. There is no […]
- Smart radar – upgrading the technology on Lincoln Road Newark – Peter Eccleson – SVS & Bob Roth VIA – East MidlandsLincoln Road is a main arterial route between Newark Town Centre and the A1 to the east and has an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of 18,300 vehicles. MOVA loop detection would have required ducting installing on the bridge close to the railway and the Overhead Line Equipment (OLE, considered undesirable and to be avoided. […]
- MOVA vs. VivaCity: MOVe-Aside and make way for the next generation of Signal Control – Matt Shaw – VivaCityLast year Vivacity presented the first results for its ground breaking Smart Junctions pilot project in Manchester. However, as a new product we wanted to take on one of the best control systems in the UK market – MOVA – in as fair and unbiased a trial as we could. Therefore in this presentation we […]
- Using AI to support traffic control systems – Robert Whiteside & David Clegg – Kirklees council, Keith McCabe & Professor Lee McCluskey – Simplifai Systems, and Mauro Vallati – University of HuddersfieldThis paper is based on the experience of deployment of an AI based traffic control support system in Kirklees. It will outline the challenges and opportunities created by introducing a new form of traffic control based on the Simplifai control approach. The points that will be covered will be: How to create an AI readable […]
- Towards Efficient Incident Detection in Real-time Traffic Management – Carles Illera López – AimsunThis paper describes how Aimsun are using existing infrastructure to provide incident detection and network wide data insights using data science and AI. See the 2022 Presentations on our YouTube Channel
- The Carbon Conundrum – How do we further improve the environmental credentials of our signal installations? I Alistair Gollop Mott MacDonaldOver the past decade, the traffic systems manufacturers have made great strides in reducing the energy consumption of traffic systems, the switch to modern electronics and LEDs has had a marked impact on electrical consumption of installations. However, in the coming few years, we will need to continue to reduce the environmental impact of our […]
- Decarbonising Networks one step and pedal at a time. Gavin Jackman – City ScienceCity Science mission is to help cities and neighbourhoods decarbonise and have successfully developed and delivered LCWIPS for numerous authorities around the UK. LCWIPS = Local Cycling and Walking Implementation plans. This presentation will explain the data driven science process we go through to develop and create a LCWIP and talk about one of our […]
- A collaborative approach plus Smart Technology = safer active travel infrastructure and less congestion as part of a strategic corridor project. – Peter Cattell – Clearview Intelligence and Sean Higgins – Hull City CouncilThis paper will look at how collaborative working and the use of intelligent technology is enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians whilst also reducing congestion, and therefore improving air quality along the Stoneferry Corridor in Hull. As part of this first of its kind (in the city) multi-million-pound project, headed by Colas, Clearview, alongside Hull […]
- Live Labs project, addresses air quality challenges using artificial intelligence. Emily Madsen – Staffordshire CC & Paul Hudson Now WirelessStaffordshire County Council (SCC) won funding to take part in the live labs project, funded by the DFT. They worked alongside Amey, Keele University and the Connected Places Catapult. Over 130 SMEs submitted applications to address mobility and air quality challenges. Colleagues from across the organisations worked together to select 10 projects. Now Wireless were […]