Wolverhampton highways to get digital makeover
Plans to convert 27,750 street lights in Wolverhampton to more efficient energy-saving LED lamps are being examined by council bosses.
The move is part of a series of low-carbon emission projects to save costs and improve facilities in the city’s transport sector using digital technology.
Other initiatives include the installation of signs displaying warning messages to motorists, solar lighting along canal towpaths, contactless pedestrian crossings, 5G-enabled speed cameras, pollution sensors and pedestrian and cyclist counters.
In a report to the council this week, head of city transport John Roseblade said: “The Smart Digital Infrastructure project is being funded by the council and the European Regional Development Fund.
“This will enable street lights to be transformed into smart, urban assets with sensors on the columns providing an opportunity to remote control a range of council operations.
“We are developing LED highways signs to display warnings and public information about car parks, road safety, traffic directions, local events and messages of national importance such as Stay at Home.
“Over £700,000 has been invested in cameras across the Black Country and these are now being enforced by West Midlands Police. The technology allows for speeds to be recorded over a length of road rather than in one spot,” he added.
“Also, in our city we have have in excess of 60km of cycle paths and have recently secured over £1m to enhance these through the Active Travel Fund.
“In addition to the cycle route running through Leicester Street, Queen Square and Darlington Street, there will be new dedicated routes on Ring Road St Peter’s and Wednesfield Road.”
The council is now moving towards the electrification of its fleet of vehicles and is in the process of introducing more accessible Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points across the city.
Also ongoing is the roll-out of the Escooter scheme, recently trialled in Birmingham, and the bike-share programme which will soon both be visible in the city.
Additonally, funds of £4.9m from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) were secured by the council in June 2018 to connect 170 public sector premises across the city to full fibre (1Gb) broadband.
The council’s overall digital renewal programme will initially focus on the city centre before being rolled out to cover the wider area.
“This will be a key element in making the city a major player in the UK’s digital market, in turn generating new opportunities and jobs,” added the report.
The council’s vibrant and sustainable city scrutiny panel will discuss the proposals on January 28.
