This report examines the impact that technology can have on traffic congestion management. It argues that, given the infrastructure deficit and budgetary constraints, governments could invest in low-cost initiatives to improve the existing transport network rather than in new infrastructure.

The report examines the operation and effectiveness of several different adaptive traffic control systems, which use real-time traffic data to optimise the operation of traffic light signals, minimise stop times and delays and reduce traffic congestion in major urban areas. It looks at those in use in the City of Sydney in particular and also provides a case study on traffic control systems in Japan.

It makes specific recommendations on particular types of traffic control systems, including InSync, SCATS and Green Wave.