The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited has successfully implemented the Freeway Management System on Kwazulu-Natal’s roads as part of its efforts to reduce congestion and keep motorists safe.
The system relays real-time information to alert motorists about incidents that are unsafe and most likely to cause build-up of traffic and subsequent delays. Nkabinde Dumisani, Regional Manager (Eastern Regional) for Sanral, says Freeway Management System (FMS) consists of technologies and strategies to monitor, control, and manage freeway traffic more effectively. “A freeway can have six lanes but a single incident such as a breakdown or collision can have a major impact on the flow of traffic in both directions,” Dumisani explains.Intelligent technology
The system employs Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technologies which involve the integrated deployment of communications technologies, traffic management software and control devices such as closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), variable message signs (CCTV) and traffic detectors to enable the active management and monitoring of freeways.“The many benefits to the road user on such a managed network include improved congestion management, faster detection, verification and response to road incidents such as accidents, road obstructions and road hazards; and provision of real time traveller information to road users.
“These benefits directly result in safer roads, savings in travel times and fuel costs, as well as contributing to a cleaner environment,” Nkabinde notes.
