Keltron successfully tests on-road traffic signal system

T’puram: The red, green and yellow lights installed on the road, that turn on in sync with traffic signals, have caught the attention of motorists at Plamoodu Junction here.
It is a new system which is being tested by Keltron’s traffic signal division. The system is called ‘on-road LED signal set’. According to Keltron officials, it is a first-of-its-kind system in the state. The advantage of the system is that it offers better visibility compared to the conventional traffic signal system and hence it will be more efficient in controlling traffic.
“For example, we have installed the lights along the zebra crossing line at Plamoodu and the motorists are now stopping their vehicles ahead of the zebra line when the signal turns red,” said Keltron engineer A A Hameed, who is part of the team that is testing the new system.
The system could prove effective at accident-prone spots and on high-range roads, where motorists often ignore conventional warning blinkers. It has a visibility range of 300 to 400 metres during day time and 500 metres during the night, said Hameed.
Keltron approached the city traffic police and the public works department with a proposal after deriving inspiration from similar systems in use in Hyderabad and Chennai. Plamoodu was chosen as the spot for the test run as it is one of the busiest junctions in the city, with incoming traffic from both national highway and MC Road. Currently, Keltron is testing the durability of LED lights to be used.
The system was installed at the junction on Wednesday. The lights were switched on during Friday night. On Sunday night, Keltron officials switched off the system to examine the feedback. They will reinstall the system two days later, after making necessary changes as per the feedback. They are mooting to install the system in more locations in the city within three months.