9 September - 2021PropTechOutlookRecent ExperiencesFlowtack is already being used in both the UK and across Europe.In Europe, the City of Deventer in The Netherlands was the first to deploy Flowtack. The much-lauded success has seen Deventer extending the use of Flowtack from an initial 24 to 39 intersections. Flowtack is also being used by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch motorways authority. This includes key strategic intersections along the A2 and N2 motorways, the A67 in Eindhoven, the A65 motorway near Oisterwijk, and the A27 and A59 motorways at Oosterhout and Raamsdonksveer, respectively.In the case of Liverpool, we are improving three main strategic corridors leading into the city. Having developed a mix of walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure improvements along the three corridors we then developed a Flowtack system which brings together the infrastructure plans with almost 40 signalised junctions and pedestrian/cycling crossings. We targeted those corridors and signals which are the bottlenecks; about 17% of the roads cause 72% of the delays, so strategic placing has a big impact at a low cost.Further experience has been gained in Argyll and Bute in Scotland, which includes a mixture of urban towns and rural areas as well as many of the western Scottish isles. Traffic management is fundamental to maintaining the beautiful character of the region as well as efficient operations. Proven ResultsThe results have been dramatic, with transport conditions significantly improved across a range of indicators. For example, the number of wasted vehicle stops has reduced by up to 30%, with a corresponding reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions of between 7 to 18 per cent and Nitrogen Oxide of between 11 to 26 per cent. In addition, there has been a significant reduction in vehicle lost hours of up to 10 per cent, based on CCOL standards. Bus reliability and information has also improved, helping to increase passengers, thereby further providing improved sustainability.The socio-economic benefits have also been large, with the ratio of the benefits-to-cost valued at many times the level of investment.Flowtack goes beyond traditional intelligent transport systems (ITS) to provide a holistic and sustainable solution which has outperformed older systems. In addition, authorities have commented that its open technology means there is no vendor lock-in affecting them, giving them the freedom and flexibility to tailor solutions to their geographical characteristics.The future of mobilityCongestion is an issue in and around our towns and cities, and the problem is set to increase as urbanisation continues. This is compounded by the sustainable environmental and financial constraints we all now face, as well as our responsibilities as planners and engineers to improve transport mobility safely and efficiently.Improving multi-modal travel demands is fundamental to improving accessibility, safety and the environment for all­ not just giving priority to a select few.Modern technology provides real, tangible solutions while also avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades or new builds. It is making the best use of existing assets and helping to provide a more sustainable and smart mobility solution to the way we live today.Flowtack is not merely about managing more cars at a given time. It is about catering for all travellers on the network at the same time. Technology is never the sole solution for mobility control. But it is a significant factor to make our lives better and healthier. Modern technology is making the best use of existing assets and helping to provide a more sustainable and smart mobility solution to the way we live todayDr Marwan AL-Azzawi
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