A further test on March 18 didn't go much smoother. If it can ever get the system up and running, Bangkok plans to expand it to include all of the metropolitan area's 880 intersections. Data thus obtained are processed by centralized computers, which are linked to lights that can ease congestion in an area by diverting traffic to surrounding streets. Singapore, where more transportation is regulated than in any other country, also has intelligent roads. As a vehicle crosses a junction, the interrogator records its speed.
Smart roads work best in conjunction with cars that have computerized navigation systems.
Such a navigation system can show a driver the shortest route to a given destination. The benefits multiply when you marry such a capability with access to real-time traffic data. Smart roads and smart cars will work wonders together. But the road can carry twice the number of smart cars because they will be equipped with sensors that prevent them from getting too close to each other. For drivers in Bangkok, however, such a solution may still be a long way off.