Russian adaptive traffic signals have drawn interest from Saudi researchers for their potential to curb pollutant emissions from vehicles at intersections. This development was reported by RIA News, referencing the press service of South Ural State University (SSU).
Researchers from SSU and partners from King Abdul-Aziz University in Jeddah agreed to finalize and deploy the AIMS-Eco system, led by Vladimir Shepelev, an Associate Professor in the Department of Automotive Transport. The project aims to pair real-time environmental data with traffic control strategies to reduce emissions and improve air quality around busy corridors.
Shepelev noted that earlier methods relied on historical statistics, which could not capture real-time environmental risks. The new approach uses live vehicle signals to gauge emissions and adapt signal timing dynamically, allowing more accurate responses to changing conditions on the road network.
He explained that Saudi colleagues have developed technology enabling vehicles to broadcast information about their location and emissions class to surrounding systems. Integrating this data into the SSU platform would expand capabilities for both teams. Cameras at intersections alone do not provide a long enough view of traffic patterns across broader road sections, so linking vehicle-level data helps form a clearer picture of environmental impact over time and space.
Ural scientists emphasize that the main environmental harm from internal combustion engine vehicles stems from delays at lights and in congested traffic. The joint work between Russian and Saudi engineers seeks to ensure smoother vehicle movement from one intersection to the next, reducing stationary time and emissions spikes across the network.
In a broader context, the European Union recently approved a law setting a phase-out timeline for CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035, signaling a regional shift toward cleaner transport solutions. The ongoing collaboration aligns with global efforts to decarbonize urban mobility and demonstrates how cross-border partnerships can accelerate the adoption of intelligent, emission-aware traffic management systems.
Additionally, there has been reporting about the evolving market and policy environment affecting the supply of certain vehicle types in Russia after August 1. This backdrop underscores the importance of adaptive traffic strategies that minimize environmental impact while accommodating changing vehicle fleets and regulatory landscapes.