In rapidly growing communities, the need for a traffic management information center (TMC) should never be decided based on political misbeliefs but rather facts. In a community where extremists abound a proposed traffic management center (TMC) was suddenly dropped by the regional planning organization after at least two public meetings with over 300 people objecting to what they perceived as surveillance. Was this a public agency responding to the wishes of the public or a knee jerk reaction to the intimidation of a vocal minority? I would question how many objectors understood what this traffic management information center is designed to do and how many of those complaining about surveillance were sitting there with cell phones in their pockets.
A regional traffic oversight agency should provide “a coordinated planning effort between the small towns, cities, highway districts, the County, the state, transit providers and the public.” Traffic oversight organizations were created to meet a federal requirement that was triggered when an area exceeded a combined population of 50,000. As growing areas see increases in population an understanding of traffic movements becomes critical to minimize traffic gridlock at peak times throughout the day.
Traffic management does not equate to surveillance. Why would this even be a concern? A Planning Organization is not a title that speaks to intrigue and surveillance. These public agencies work with local jurisdictions to improve transportation throughout an area. Any such agencies have websites, and anyone can see the plans, meetings, board members, etc. Hardly the behavior of a citizen surveillance agency.
Being a technologically “smart” city regarding traffic does not equate to a surveillance city. Addressing the problem and minimizing any concern would reflect leadership. The cost of building new roads, widening existing roads, adding turn lane and deceleration lanes, more traffic signals, bike lanes etc may be cost prohibitive at this time. We must rely on technology as a means to gain the information our traffic engineers need to gradually update our transportation network to accommodate growth and keep traffic moving at a reasonable level of service. Understanding where traffic is increasing allows our traffic engineers to assess the current and future problems and actually reduce traffic congestion impacts as we grow. Traffic congestion is extremely frustrating after working all day or any time. Increased traffic is not going to decline but by using technology we can keep it moving. Funding for implementing a traffic information center may not be readily available, although study results will identify what is needed and improve chances of securing funding. No bundle of money is available to expand and build roads either. We know we will need roadway improvements but which roads. The TMC would provide the roadway information we need to insure as the money becomes available, we will address the most urgent needs. Efficiency and economy should be the imperatives in our government. We need the best tools available to insure we are implementing the best use of our money.
TMC’s are a common tool used throughout the country to address growth and traffic. Traffic management is already in place in areas like Spokane, Ada County and many metropolitan areas. The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has a state-of-the-art Traffic Management Center (TMC). Being smart without surveillance is a critical part of this system. The Ada County website states: “The incident management system is a live feed only. Nothing is ever recorded.” The intent of adding this statement is to minimize personal surveillance concerns.
Spokane and Washington State use Traffic Management, the following are some of the tasks performed by the TMCs and their staff:
- Monitor traffic and identify problems throughout the state highway system.
- Use data from traffic detectors on the highways to observe traffic conditions in real-time, even in areas where cameras may not be available.
- Oversee operations of our ramp meter to help manage traffic flow
- Coordinate the activities of our Incident Response Teams.
- Coordinate responses with Washington State Patrol and other law enforcement and emergency response crews when responding to incidents on the highway.
- Provide up-to-the-minute information about the highway system.
The need for technology is essential. Recognizing that it’s misuse may be a potential problem must not be ignored. Cities all across this nation have incorporated this technology without giving up their privacy. Look at the stop gap measures Ada County among others are using. Transparency and open access protect us without giving up the advantages that technology provides.
Technology is neutral. It can be designed to provide various types of information. The use or misuse of our technology depends on people acting properly and consistent with our laws. Many of us have sold our souls including whatever privacy we had to the giants of social media and the algorithms utilized by each. Public access and transparency protect us and keep surveillance blocked out. Addressing our current problems with yesterday’s solutions is not an answer. Do any of us prefer a land line to a cell phone? Our leaders must take off the blinders of self-preservation and work for the greater good. Time to step up not run for cover.
Phil's Personal Perspectives 