What is UTMC?
UTMC is the section of LCC responsible for anything involving traffic signals in Leeds. There are approximately 600 sets of signals in Leeds, of which approximately 75% are linked to a computer. The work of this section covers:-
- Maintenance of all signals (junction and pedestrian crossings)
- Setting signal timings/co-ordination of groups of signals
- Moment by moment network management - adjusting timings etc to deal with localised problems.
- Concept design – design at an initial stage of a scheme that involves traffic signals
- Detailed design – the exact layout and placement of signal equipment
- Junctions for new developments
- Installation of new signals
Controlling Traffic Signals
- About half of all the signals in Leeds (300) are linked to a central computer.
- A lot of work goes into setting signal sequencing and timing to give the right proportion of green time to each approach for specific times of day.
- Certain routes have specific co-ordination (e.g. the city centre loop)
Fault handling
- UTMC handles over 5,000 fault reports each year.
- A new maintenance contract has recently been introduced with an improved response time. All target response times to signal faults are being met or exceeded.
- Many faults on the 300 controlled signals are reported to UTMC automatically via a BT link to the central computer.
- Another 150 signals are checked for faults by a remote monitoring system
- For other signals we rely on being told about the fault by a member of the public.
- Traffic signal faults can be reported using our online form
Junction improvements
- Some 20 junctions are refurbished per year.
- Other junctions are improved by the addition of extra facilities (for pedestrians, cyclists, etc, or replacement of old equipment (usually after 15 years).
New junctions
- UTMC are responsible for the detailed design of new signals – junction layout, signal poles, detection, ducting, controller specification
- UTMC switch on about 40 new sites each year
The UTMC control desk
The control desk is manned
- 7am to 7pm weekdays
- 9am-5pm on Saturdays
- Additional hours to cover special events and the lead-up to Christmas.
During these hours staff are available to deal with faults.
Outside these hours an answer message will give an emergency number for urgent faults or opportunity to leave a message.
Network management
- UTMC staff monitor traffic flows when the control room is manned.
- Considerable use is made of CCTV for traffic purposes.
- Manual adjustments are made to signal timings to cater for unusual traffic flows
- The control desk will use manual over-ride for major incidents.
- UTMC regularly provide the media with details of traffic conditions
More information on UTMC?
Follow the link on this page to a PDF presentation that gives an introduction to the role of Leeds UTMC.