newsAI traffic monitoring trial kicks off in BrisbaneThe trial claims to be the first of its kind in Australia, and could herald a big change to our roads if successful.Max Stevens04:5014 July 20260comments + 6PhotosA trial of AI (artificial intelligence) powered traffic lights at a quiet intersection in Brisbane claims to be the first of its kind in Australia. The City of Moreton Bay council will use cameras and LiDAR sensors, which can “instantly” make “decisions about the most optimal way to control traffic” as part of the trial aimed at eventually reducing traffic congestion and unnecessary waiting at lights.LiDAR is becoming a widely used technology by car makers as part of self-driving and driver-assistance technology, as unlike a camera, the laser-based technology can ‘see’ an environment in 3D even in darkness.The system being installed next to the University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay campus is developed by Austrian-headquartered company SWARCO, which is best known for its reflective road markings and signage. MORE: The uniquely Aussie traffic light habit grinding locals’ gears+ 6PhotosMany existing traffic control systems in Australia already adapt depending on traffic conditions by using metal detecting sensors that trigger when cars pass above them. However, a City of Moreton Bay council spokesperson said that the system being trialled was a substantial improvement over these ‘inductive loop detector’ based systems.“This system represents a significant shift from the traditional phase-based traffic control approach that has been used throughout Australia for more than 30 years,” the spokesperson said.“Instead of operating with fixed traffic signal phases, it controls individual traffic movements independently. While this approach has not yet been implemented in Australia, it has been successfully deployed and is operational in several European jurisdictions.”MORE: New traffic light signage calls out ‘annoying’ act causing congestion+ 6PhotosAI-powered systems often function on a subscription model, as employing AI models and data centres to analyse information comes at a cost.In response to questions from Drive regarding whether the system would incur data processing fees, a spokesperson said the system would have ongoing costs.“There will be ongoing costs associated with using the AI-powered traffic signal, which will be assessed as part of the trial,” the spokesperson said.Other than SWARCO, it is unclear what other technology companies are involved in the project, with the council declining to comment on what other industry collaborators were involved.MORE: Do AI road cameras actually make Aussie drivers safer?+ 6Photos“Council is collaborating with industry to pioneer the new technology, however we are unable to discuss individual partnerships at this time,” the spokesperson said.The City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, was confident the technology could improve traffic conditions.“The technology effectively uses both AI and advanced algorithms to inform optimised traffic operations under a new traffic management approach,” Flannery said in a media statement.“This means that higher traffic flows of vehicles including public transport can be prioritised dynamically throughout the day. MORE: Victoria’s phone and seatbelt cameras under question in new report+ 6Photos“There is the potential to substantially reduce the time motorists spend unnecessarily sitting at red lights, which is often constrained by legacy traffic control methods, and this can be extremely frustrating especially when there are no cars in sight. “This presents the opportunity to reduce emissions as vehicles will idle less at traffic lights.“Plus, for the first time, traffic signals can be adjusted by individual movements using advanced traffic detection sensors so congestion can be better managed including when vehicles flood our local road network.” Drive asked Victoria's Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) if the AI-powered traffic signalling technology could offer any advantages over the current system used in Victoria.MORE: Mystery mobile road camera spotted on Aussie freeway+ 6PhotosA project running on an inner-city stretch of road in Melbourne began in 2022 to test AI and other technologies that could improve safety and flow on the road. Details about this project can be read here.Drive understands there is currently no AI traffic control system that can optimally and automatically manage a multi-modal transport network. That is, a network containing different modes of transport such as vehicles, trains, trams and buses.If the trial is successful the council plans to expand it to busier locations.The technology developer SWARCO reportedly remains primarily owned by the Swarovski family, best known for its jewellery empire that bears the family name. → Add Drive as a preferred source in Google Search Recommended cars for saleView all cars on Drive MarketplaceFor Sale2025 Hyundai Venue1.6L SUV FWD$21,690Excl. Govt. 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