Traffic flow can be modelled at a macroscopic level using the same equations as are used to model the flow of fluids, compressible or incompressible. The mathematical model (dating from 1955) introduced by Lighthill-Whitham-Richards is formulated as a nonlinear partial differential equation derived by the conservation of vehicles in a single road and referred to as the LWR model. This has been developed by other authors over the years. To collect data in sufficient quantity to feed the models, ‘Floating Vehicle Data’ will be used. This takes anonymous data from the mobile radio devices (which most vehicles contain, including eCall). It can be processed in quantity by appropriate software. To demonstrate the scope of the techniques, the use case of Stanstead Airport approach will be considered in depth.
- November 5, 2026
- John Nightingale