Thermal technology to help cyclists at traffic lights

City of York Council is set to introduce new thermal imaging technology to improve safety and reduce the amount of time spent at traffic lights for cyclists.

The technology accurately detects the heat signatures of a cyclists, meaning that traffic signals can react to the presence of cyclists and give them more green light time at junctions.

The thermal imaging will be rolled out across key cycle routes in the city, with the Fulford Road/Hospital Fields Road junction set to become one of the first sites to benefit from the technology in May 2016.

The scheme comes as part of a wider multi million pound overhaul of York’s ageing traffic signals, which will see around half of the city’s traffic signals replaced with modern equipment over a five year rolling programme, including replacing worn out and unreliable road loops with camera systems for traffic detection.

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member of transport and planning, said: “Investing now will help to bring our systems into the 21st century, saving vital time spent otherwise on repairs and maintenance and more importantly saving money from the public purse.

“By investing in this cutting-edge equipment, it will help to keep York’s roads moving, improving journey reliability and the overall driving and commuter experience in York for future years.”