Old Noarlunga is one of three areas to trial the latest new smart cameras deploying artificial intelligence operating on some of Adelaide’s busiest thoroughfares.

The aim is to help combat collisions and reduce long frustrating traffic jams.

The AI technology is the first of its kind in South Australia and has been installed at key locations at Penfield, Paradise and two roads at Old Noarlunga.

The state government says the software is an intelligent solution to improving road safety and traffic flow during peak periods. 

The cameras are linked to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC), allowing staff to monitor vehicle movements and automatically adjust traffic signals to reduce congestion.

According to data collected by TMC, it costs the state’s economy more than $33,000 for every 5000 motorists that are forced to wait 20 minutes in the morning peak.

It says in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, traffic build-up and dangerous rear-end collisions have significantly reduced since the cameras were installed last year. 

The new software and hardware was designed and built by engineering company SAFEgroup Automation.

Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy Michael Brown says the initiative shows how new AI technology can help improve the road network and increase driver safety.

“By linking directly to traffic signals, these smart cameras can easily identify high traffic flows and automatically adjust the lights to alleviate the congestion.

“With a direct connection to our Traffic Management Centre, staff will be able to monitor the system and manually take over as a failsafe.”