The new dynamic traffic control system is operational in Ghent. The system combines parking and traffic guidance in one and gives visitors real-time information about the parking situation, the occupancy rate of the various parking garages, serious traffic disruptions and much more. The project was carried out by a consortium led by Jacops, a company specializing in the installation of intelligent traffic infrastructure. The collaboration also includes Be-Mobile, a pioneer in smart traffic solutions, and Q-lite, a Belgian manufacturer of LED screens.

Information in real time

The old displays in Ghent needed to be renewed. Until recently, they still worked via radio communication, so an update often did not appear on the sign until 10 minutes later. The new ones work online and are updated in real time. Thanks to the latest generation of LED displays, they are also more readable. In addition to parking information, the displays can include travel times, alternate routes or details about road works or other events.

With the new system, the City of Ghent can use its own information or information from third parties to set up smart scenarios to distribute the most relevant parking and traffic information to road users or other stakeholders via the displays. The Mobility Company of the City of Ghent also has an interactive dashboard on which it can monitor both the traffic and mobility situation and the technical status of the signs. The system comes just in time for the Ghent Winter Festivities that take place from December 8 to 31 and for which Ghent expects many visitors. The opening weekend passed without any additional disruption.

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Positive impact

"Cities have an increasing demand for mobility and parking," says Jan Cools, CEO of Be-Mobile. "At the same time, they also have to meet increasingly tough policy objectives, think about improving air quality, reducing traffic and congestion, greening the city, reducing on-street parking, etc. With Jacops, we have a reliable partner to install Be-Mobile's smart mobility solutions. These then help the city achieve those goals and also have a positive impact on city residents and visitors," Jan continued. "The flexible and modular control system "FlowControl" collects and analyzes numerous data sources and converts them into useful information to drive the displays. The City of Ghent has 24/7 insight into the prevailing traffic situation. This allows them to take appropriate measures quickly and remotely to direct travelers efficiently."

Ghent Alderman for Mobility Filip Watteeuw adds: "With the new displays, traffic can be better directed. Motorists are directed to the desired and available parking garages. This way we avoid search traffic. We also want to solve the traffic jams at the entrance to the car parks, which hinder the flow of public transport. The signs are very flexible, we can put messages on them for all road users."