Transport Control Systems

Control of smart road systems and smart signs

Many modern motorways are now called smart motorways. This is because the monitoring and control of the traffic and/or the information displayed on the motorway signs is controlled by a central computer system.

If there has been an accident or there is considerable traffic congestion, then smart motorway signs can control the traffic to keep it moving or redirect it to avoid the accident.

Even the traffic lights in cities are now computer controlled systems.

However, imagine the chaos that would be caused if any of these systems were hacked. Somebody could then have control over a chosen section of the road network. That has huge safety and security implications.

Rail and airline network control systems

Safely coordinating the large number of trains and aeroplanes entering and leaving stations and airports is a complex task, but computerised monitoring systems make this possible. It is possible to run a more efficient timetable under total computer control.

Train and aeroplane journeys are also safer, because human error is removed – many rail accidents are caused by drivers making mistakes.

Advantages and disadvantages of these monitoring and control systems are summarised here: