Monitoring of traffic flows is carried out by staff at TICC using both real time and slow scan CCTV technology. Cameras are sited at strategic locations on both the urban and motorway networks in the vicinity of Belfast and also other areas of the Province. The information provided by the cameras is essential to assist the traffic operators make decisions to change traffic signal timings or activate variable message signs, as well as providing a valuable source for the provision of travel information to the news media and general public.

There are over 630 traffic signals and pelican crossings in Northern Ireland, and approximately two thirds are located in the Eastern Division of Roads Service. The economy of Northern Ireland is very dependent upon the road infrastructure. Delays caused by faulty traffic signals affect the efficiency of traffic flow and can be costly to the road user in terms of increased delays and unpredictable journey times. Traffic congestion can also impact on the overall environment through increased air pollution. Each of the 4 Roads Divisions are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the traffic signals within their own area. There is a single contract, administered by TICC, for the maintenance of all Roads Service's traffic signal equipment. The majority of traffic signals in the Province are electronically monitored either by:

	Urban Traffic Control (UTC) system which uses dedicated private wire circuits between TICC and each traffic signal equipment; or
	Remote Monitoring System (RMS) using the public switched telephone network to dial up the traffic signal and obtain the necessary data. Over 100 traffic signal installations across the Province are connected to RMS.

Roads Service spends approx £1.2million each year to ensure traffic signals are maintained to a high standard. A key performance measure is that 95% of serious faults should be responded to within 4 working hours in the greater Belfast area and 8 working hours within the rest of the Province.

Priority for Public Transport
Traffic growth and the demand for travel is continuing to increase and it is generally accepted that road capacity cannot be provided to meet an unrestrained travel demand. The Department's transportation policy seeks to encourage a change in travel mode from the private car to public transport, and TICC is using the latest technology to provide priority and minimize delays to buses. A system which provides priority to buses at traffic signalled junctions is operating on the Upper Newtownards Road and is producing positive benefits by reducing bus journey times. Roads Service and Translink are now jointly undertaking a project which uses satellite technology ( known as Global Positioning System, GPS) to accurately locate buses in the traffic stream. The system will provide priority for the buses at traffic signals, provide real time bus arrival information at bus stops and other locations, and also provide a bus management system to enhance the day to day management of the Translink fleet. Initially the system will be operational on Quality Bus Corridors in Belfast, and may be extended to other routes. Other applications of technology by TICC to provide priority for public transport include:

	The electronic and rotating prism variable message signs that control the operation and safety aspects of the M1 hard shoulder busway.
	The detection of buses approaching the end of the M1 Busway activates special traffic signal timings are imposed to ensure the bus is not delayed at a roundabout before it re-enters the main traffic flow via a signal controlled bus gate.
	At the Westlink / Roden Street junction, special detection is used to identify buses and activate a signalised bus only right turn.
	At East Bridge Street in Belfast city centre, a traffic signalled bus gate has been installed that enables a bus to bypass traffic queues on the Albertbridge Road and receive priority at the downstream traffic signals.
	Long loop technology is being used on some routes in Belfast city centre to detect buses and then request priority from the SCOOT traffic control system.

Roads Service will continue to use traffic control technology in innovative ways to the benefit of public transport.