London boroughs to improve active travel

Sutton and Kingston councils are to team up with Vivacity Labs to improve active travel and make local areas safer.

The London boroughs, as part of the InnOvaTe project, will utilise Vivacity’s AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to provide data on different transport modes and movement patterns.

The project follows initiatives such as the trial low-traffic neighbourhoods and school streets scheme, with both councils committed to addressing issues that affect the environment and health of their communities with the resources it has available.

The project data will help the councils understand more about travel behaviours and patterns and to assess and improve the impact any changes are having.

‘We are excited to be working with Vivacity Labs to pilot this technology which aims to improve safety for our residents in Sutton and Kingston,’ said assistant director of digital and IT at both councils, Steve O’Connor.

‘We appreciate how daily habits have significantly changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and there has never been a more important time for councils to have a clear understanding of the environment and health of their communities.’

The chief executive of Vivacity Labs, Mark Nicholson, added: ‘The pandemic has seen a significant shift in travel trends, and it has brought about changes to road and pavement space in order to accommodate for active travel and help people to keep their distance. Data insights provide the ability to both analyse where to implement changes and evaluate the effectiveness of these schemes.

‘The next stages of regeneration are crucial, and we’re delighted to be working with Sutton and Kingston councils to help improve their active travel insight and assess and improve the safety of high footfall areas.’

Photo Credit – Fotorech (Pixabay)