LED technologies set the rhythm in Barcelona

Barcelona is undergoing a major upgrade of its traffic management system. Major events provide the perfect opportunity for LED technology to ease the flow

During the Tour de France 2009 Odeco’s complex dynamic
sign system gave information to prevent congestion

There are some special occasions when dynamic traffic signalling has an opportunity to show off its full potential. During major sports events such as football matches and athletics championships, huge surges of moving vehicles are concentrated within a very short space of time.

Congestion can be minimised by studying data gathered during previous events. With this information and the right technology, civic authorities can prevent queues by controlling the speed of traffic, adjusting reversible lanes, reinforcing bus lanes and giving important information to drivers.

The demand for such systems at major events is evident. As far back as the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, LED signals manufacturer Odeco Eléctronica – a member of the Imago Group – installed its first traffic messaging panels some months before the Games.

More recently, in July 2009 the company’s variable message panels have been used to give information at the Tour de France 2009. During the two days the Tour was in Barcelona, a complex dynamic sign system was used to give information to avoid congestion and to recommend the best options to the road user at every moment.

The first variable speed system
Barcelona has also recently implemented Spain’s first variable speed system. Being able to vary speed has a triple benefit: accidents can be reduced; so can congestion; and public health can be improved by reducing pollution. The speed limit is modified depending on congestion, accidents, special situations, road works, pollution and the weather. All of this is especially important when there is a heavy flow of vehicles – the system gives the capability to adjust the traffic flow when there is a big event.

Two roads have initially been chosen. These are the roads with the highest traffic density, which concentrate more than half the flow in and out of the city and its airport in “El Prat”. The completed variable speed system has new lane control signs to increase safety in reverse lanes – essential for managing big flows. Bus lanes have also been reinforced with LED signals in some areas around and on the way into Barcelona.

The combination of existing and new variable message signs with alphanumeric and graphic displays also allows more information to be conveyed throughout the city when a major event happens. The two big stadiums and other sports venues have several dynamic signs around them that give indications on approach to the event, such as accessing the venue and parking options.

Trial shows ideal technical functioning
Beyond the classic sign for variable speed, Odeco concentrates its efforts on developing safety concepts, reliability and improving visualisation. It also designs new equipment based on LED technology to identify speed clearly and avoid any basic failures.

Odeco designed a sign with maximum hardiness and reliability with a system of constant control pixel and alarms, not visible for the driver, in case of failure of any of the pixels of the panel. In addition, pilot LED lights have been joined, for flash and strobe effects, in order to warn the driver when the speed limit is changing and to make drivers pay attention to speed limits.

After six months of the first trials, the evaluation from the traffic authorities is very positive. The director of Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) has made a "positive and satisfactory" evaluation of the variable speed limit system. The data speaks for itself: traffic flow has improved, practically without congestions – even in trying situations like sports events – accidents have diminished more than 50 per cent and pollution sensors have detected a clear decrease. The director has asserted that the system "will be extended to other roads in Barcelona", to cover all the major routes into the city.

Tony Batlló, chief executive officer of Imago Group told Host City: "The international growth of last year with Imago Group's creation, more than 25 years of experience with LED signage, and the different segments for which we create specific products, is what gives us a very good combination of innovation, reliability and flexibility of our LED based systems. In addition now we are capable of operating globally and serving our customers locally through local companies that provide tangible value in each market and in each segment."

For more information visit www.imagoscreens.com.