Ingenieur Vol 58 April-June 2014 Ingenieur Vol 58 April-June 2014 | Page 24

INGENIEUR traffic monitoring, management and control. The Journey Time Indication System (JTIS) in Hong Kong (JTISHK) and Kowloon (JTISK) is a prime example (Figure 1). The JTIS functions to disseminate real-time journey information to motorists via LED displays, an interactive voice response system and an Internet speed map so that motorists are able to choose alternative routes to cross the harbour from Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island and vice versa to avoid traffic congestion. The JTIS assists motorists to make an informed route choice to cross the harbour before arriving at the critical diversion points. Speed Map Panels In 2013, five Speed Map Panels (SMPs) were installed in the Hong Kong New Territories that provide a schematic map of road traffic speed on major routes bound for Kowloon (Figure 2). The SMPs are located in advance of traffic divergent points where alternative routes are available. The estimated journey time through the available routes is also provided. While providing motorists with real-time information to make an informed route choice, the JTIS and SMPs allow for a better distribution of traffic on roads, alleviate congestion and reduce the travel time of road users. This has the direct effect of reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Open Road Tolling In collecting the necessary data on road traffic speed and journey time, a hybrid detection 6 22 VOL 58 APRIL 2013 2014 VOL 55 JUNE – JUNE Figure 1: The Journey Time Indicator System LED time indicator in Hong Kong displays the average journey time, in minutes, to cross the harbour for each of the available routes. The digits are shown in three different colours for different traffic conditions: red represents congested traffic, amber represents slow traffic and green represents smooth traffic. (Source: Hong Kong Transport Department Official Website, http://www.td.gov.hk/) Figure 2: The Speed Map Panels in Hong Kong displays the schematic map of major routes ahead as well as the estimated journey time. The displays are colour-coded with green, amber and red to represent different traffic conditions: red represents congested traffic, amber represents slow traffic and green represents smooth traffic. (Source: Hong Kong Transport Department Official Website, http://www.td.gov.hk/)