What is ITS?

Intelligent Transport Systems, ITS for short is the convergence between transport engineering, IT and telecommunication and the integrated application of these technologies to make the transport network more efficient, safer and more user-friendly.

ITS incorporates innovative technologies into typical transportation operations to improve efficiencies of traffic flow and reduce congestion, enhance road safety and offer additional information to motorists so they can determine their preferred mode of transport or route choice.

ITS offer benefits to law enforcement agencies by enhancing monitoring capabilities and using the additional, real-time information, improves the response time of emergency services.

Typical examples of ITS applications are the ability to monitor public transport operations on a route-by-route or on an individual operator basis; implement a tolling strategy without the need to stop the passing vehicles; monitor traffic flows and introduce alternative route strategies to ameliorate emergency or conditions and to implement road pricing strategies for private or heavy goods vehicles (including the ability to weigh heavy vehicles whilst the vehicle is in motion).

ITS enables the road authorities to perform essential management services. These services are currently being undertaken by agencies lacking sufficient resources and manpower to affect a sustainable and effective presence on the roads today.

ITS has the ability to make significant, cost-effective improvements in all areas of transportation, safety and security.

However, South Africa cannot afford to implement ad-hoc projects and miss the monetary savings and efficiencies achievable through economies of scale. Hence, there is a clear need to coordinate initiatives and integrate all road services by fully appreciating all road users’ needs.

Clearly, ITS can positively enhance the ability of road authorities to achieve these primary objectives both nationally and on a regional basis.