UPDATE: Near misses at a crucial Coventry road junction have plummeted by more than 88% due to groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) sensors. This significant reduction was confirmed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), highlighting a transformative shift in road safety technology.
The junction at Grange Road and Anderton Road in Longford has seen a remarkable change, prompting Coventry City Council to install a pedestrian refuge with TfWM funding. This installation has notably slowed turning traffic, dramatically lowering the risk of collisions and safeguarding pedestrians and cyclists.
During National Road Safety Week, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker emphasized the urgency of road safety, stating, “One life lost on our roads is one too many. That’s why I’m committed to Vision Zero—no more deaths on our roads.” He added, “Coventry is leading the way as the first place to roll out new safety measures guided by AI. The results show how this technology really can improve safety and save lives.”
The impact of this AI technology is immediate. Average vehicle speeds at the junction have decreased from 14-16 mph to just 10.5-12.5 mph, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents. The AI-powered sensors detect and record near misses, allowing authorities to pinpoint potential collision hotspots before injuries occur.
Previously, highway authorities relied on actual collision data to identify safety issues, often waiting for a serious incident before taking action. Now, sensor footage has revealed alarming near misses—vehicles stopping mere inches from pedestrians, including a mother with a child in a pushchair and a dog walker.
Coventry is at the forefront of road safety innovation, with one of 40 sensors installed across the West Midlands as part of a pilot program. Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for city services, stated, “Slowing turning traffic and protecting pedestrians and cyclists shows how technology, funding from West Midlands Combined Authority, and local action can work together to save lives.”
The overarching goal of Vision Zero is clear: by 2030, the West Midlands Combined Authority aims to halve the number of road deaths and serious injuries, making roads safer for all residents.
As Coventry sets a precedent for using AI in traffic management, officials urge other regions to adopt similar technologies to enhance road safety and prevent tragedies before they occur. Immediate results from this initiative are a compelling call to action for cities worldwide to innovate and prioritize safety on their streets.
Stay tuned for further developments as Coventry continues to lead the way in integrating technology with public safety efforts.
