### Section 8. Introduction of IT into Road Traffic

## (1) Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) $ ^{1} $ by Police

The police are promoting the development and installation of Universal Traffic Management Systems (UTMS) $ ^{3} $ such as the following three systems, using infrared beacons devices $ ^{2} $ that optimize traffic management using the latest information transmission technologies in order to achieve a safe, smooth, and comfortable traffic society with low environmental burden.

## 1 ) Public Transportation Priority Systems (PTPS) $ ^{4} $

This system aims to prevent traffic accident by drawing attention to risk factors by offering peripheral traffic situations to drivers with the help of visual and audio information through car navigation devices for Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS $ ^{5} $ by creating an environment that enables driving with composure. (In FY2007, a model project was implemented in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture to evaluate the effect of providing simple diagrams which are designed to draw the driver’s attention to collisions). Plans to conduct a range of sustentative experiments through joint initiatives of public and private sectors and to assess the nature of effective service are schedule for FY2008.

## 2 ) FAST Emergency Vehicle Preemption Systems (FAST) $ ^{5} $

This system allows traffic priority to vehicles used for lifesaving and other emergency purposes by controlling traffic signals. The aim of this system is to shorten the travel time for these vehicles to reach their destinations and avoid any accidents en route to reach their destinations (introduced in 13 prefectures as of the end of FY2008).

## 3 ) Driving Safety Support Systems (DSSS) $ ^{6} $

This system aims to prevent traffic accident by drawing attention to risk factors by offering peripheral traffic situations to drivers with the help of visual and audio information by creating an environment that enables driving with composure. (In FY2007, a model project was implemented in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture to evaluate the effect of providing simple diagrams which are designed to draw the driver's attention to collisions). In FY2008, it plans to conduct a range of substantiate experiments through joint initiatives of public and private sectors, then to assess the nature of effective service.

Note 1: Intelligent Transport Systems

2: An infrared ray communication device which is installed on road to perceive passing car, to measure traffic loads and mediate the information between the on-board unit and the Traffic Control Center.

3: Universal Traffic Management Systems

4: Public Transportation Priority Systems

5: FAST Emergency Vehicle Preemption Systems

6: Driving Safety Support Systems

## (2) Promotion of International Cooperation concerning ITS

Promotion of collaborative projects with other countries and the establishment of other such international cooperation are important since it is necessary to investigate from a broad view in the field of technological development. The NPA participated in the 15th ITS World Congress held in New York, the United States in November, 2008 (approximately 8,000 concerned participants from governments, private sector and educational institutions from 66 countries) in October 2007. At the conference, the countries shared ITS information and further strengthened the cooperative relationship. In addition, based on a written agreement concerning the cooperation in traffic safety and ITS, and in response to emergency situations between the NPA and the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the police also sponsored a meeting in the United States in January 2008 to hold research presentations on measures and policies of bilateral promotions for ITS.

## (3) Traffic Information Provision by the Police

The police are making efforts to enable drivers to precisely ascertain the level of traffic congestion and the amount of time required for safe transit and pleasant driving by providing traffic information data gathered and analyzed by traffic control systems to the public at large. Efforts are also being made to disperse traffic to reduce congestion and accidents.

VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) $ ^{1} $ has been used as a means of information provisioning addition to traffic information boards. VICS can display the real time situation of the road traffic which changes by the minute on the map screen with the system which offers the traffic information