London Boroughs use AI to monitor cycle lanes

Sutton and Kingston councils, as part of the South London Partnership’s InnOvaTe Project, will use Vivacity Labs' AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to provide anonymous data on different transport modes and movement patterns.

Sensors will be deployed to gather more information about each borough’s cycle infrastructure, including the number of cyclists currently using the existing cycle lanes and main roads within the borough, and the number of unauthorised vehicles illegally using the spaces. This will help the councils to consider the areas to be included in any future expansion of their cycle infrastructure.

“We are committed to a greener future by developing sustainable transport schemes and cutting-edge initiatives so Kingston can become carbon neutral by 2038. More accurate data can help us with that goal, allowing us to create even better spaces for cyclists and pedestrians,” explained Councillor Tim Cobbett, Deputy Leader at Kingston Council. “The more we know about how our spaces are currently used, and how many journeys are made using different methods of transport, the better our work can be targeted and removing barriers to active travel and ensuring our infrastructure for walking and cycling is targeted where it is needed most and this project will help us to do that.”

Sutton has identified 13 sites to provide a good insight into the cross-borough usage of the cycle infrastructure, and Kingston has selected 17 sites. The scheme will help both councils build an overview of the cycle network to enhance decision-making and the application of bids.

“By using this innovative technology, the Council can learn more and gain better insights into the use of its cycle lanes. This will enable us to identify opportunities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and make progress towards becoming carbon neutral, tackling the climate emergency and being a green borough,” said Councillor Manuel Abellan, Chair of the Environment & Sustainable Transport Committee at Sutton Council.

South London Partnership is working with London Councils to deliver an IoT project across the five south London Boroughs of Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton.

“By understanding how space is being used with detailed and accurate data, councils can make informed and strategic decisions on how best to improve city infrastructure,” said Mark Nicholson, CEO of Vivacity Labs. “As restrictions are eased, making roads smarter, safer and more sustainable is vital, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on cycling that this project will create in the Kingston and Sutton area.”

This project has been funded by the Strategic Investment Pot (SIP) as part of the London Councils Business Rates Retention scheme which is administered by the City of London Corporation, and hopes to improve people’s lives through the delivery of a multi-purpose IoT platform, which will connect various sensors across borough boundaries. The project is led by Sutton Council, which was selected to oversee the project on behalf of the other boroughs.