CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) is planning to implement a smart traffic system on the intersections of the main thoroughfares of the city if it will be satisfied with the performance of Leotek, Taiwan-based firm.
"I will recommend to implement it on the main thoroughfare intersections. We will implement a non-contact apprehension policy through cameras that can mo-detect violations," CCTO operations chief Francisco Ouano said.
Since December 2018, Leotek implemented the intelligent traffic system on General Maxilom Avenue and corner M.J Cuenco Avenue as the pilot area for the study.
The city government tapped the services of the firm to address the traffic problem following the visit of Mayor Tomas Osmena to Taiwan where the implementation of non-contact apprehension has been successful.
Since the city finds the non-contact apprehension effective, it was expanded to other three intersections last February to further test the effectiveness of the system.
These are Gen. Chavez St. corner General Maxilom Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue corner A. Soriano Avenue and Osmeña Boulevard.
The firm monitors the traffic situation on these intersections by installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other traffic equipment.
The CCTV cameras that were installed automatically detect traffic violators and analyze the situation of traffic flow.
Leotek specializes in Smart Street Lights and Smart City solutions involving advanced LED street lights, expandable with various sensors, cameras and others.
Ouano said the city is in need of a traffic system that could improve the traffic situation which is among the pressing concerns at present.
Among the identified congested areas are P. Del Rosario St., M.J Cuenco Avenue, Barangay Hipodromo and Osmeña Boulevard.
After the May elections, CCTO is expected to evaluate the performance of Leotek.
If the traffic authority and Mayor Tomas Osmeña will be satisfied with the performance of Leotek, implementing the smart traffic system in other intersections will be realized.
"I can say the system does not only monitor violators but crimes as well," Ouano said. — MBG (FREEMAN)