Traffic modelling is a complex task requiring multiple sub models working together to resemble as much as possible the actual flow of traffic on our roads. These sub models range from the identification of the main attractors of traffic such as shopping malls and large office establishments to the modelling of single junctions. Novel methods have been developed by the Department, aimed at describing the traffic assignment problem, that is, to identify the route choices drivers make when deciding to drive to a particular destination. Such models can be used to identify alternative routes and study drivers’ behaviour under different scenarios such as road closures, accidents and flooding.

Several models of individual and interconnected intersections are being developed, on a macroscopic level, to study the use of intelligent traffic light systems, that is, traffic lights which intelligently change their timings to reduce the waiting time at junctions while not adversely affecting other intersections. Autonomous-based control of such systems is being developed to self-handle the complexity of such dynamic heterogeneous and interconnected intersections. Directly interlinked to transport, spatio-temporal models describing air pollution levels in Malta have also been developed to analyse patterns over space and time.

There are great benefits in applying ITS to support sustainable mobility in Malta. Such investment in ITS research helps Malta in the development and strategy building stage, where the best solution to the various bottlenecks in our network are identified. ITS allows greater information about travel in general, people tend to make informed decisions about their journeys, whilst helping road managers, facility managers, maintenance managers, and so on to plan their work according to observed traffic patterns.