Technology helps emergency services stop traffic

In a first for Victoria, emergency services are undertaking a six month trial of advanced technology that will ensure they reach emergency situations faster than ever before.

A team comprising Tyco Integrated Systems, Vic Roads, and Victorian Police has been working together to trial the system that allows emergency vehicles to automatically request and receive green lights prior to approaching an intersection, clearing the traffic ahead of the emergency vehicle and holding the green light until the vehicle is safely through the intersection.

This will allow police, fire and medical personnel to reach their destination faster, travel more safely, lower the risk of accidents, and protect lives and property.

Taking into account cross traffic and pedestrians, the emergency vehicle gains right of way in a manner that appears normal and does not delay cross traffic or disrupt parallel intersections.

The new system will also provide safer working conditions for emergency response crews who are prone to job related stress triggered by difficult traffic conditions over which they had no control and were a major cause of delay.