Milton Keynes City Council selects TRL Software to future proof city’s traffic network

Milton Keynes City Council is to use TRL Software’s adaptive urban traffic control system to dynamically control the city’s signal-controlled junctions to smooth traffic and reduce delays.

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Based upon the TRL developed SCOOT or Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique, adoption of the technology marks a major milestone in the council’s strategy to build a smarter, greener, and more responsive transport system, set against significant anticipated growth in both the population and economic activity.

Milton Keynes’ grid-based road network however offers a unique opportunity to implement future-focused traffic management strategies that adapt to real-time conditions and anticipate future growth.

Implementation will enable real-time signal control across junctions by dynamically adjusting traffic light timings in response to actual traffic conditions. Unlike traditional fixed-time systems, the SCOOT algorithm continually responds to traffic flow, minimising delays and optimising journey times for all road users, including drivers, public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The system will also allow Milton Keynes City Council to monitor and manage its traffic network more efficiently through a unified digital platform, providing data-rich insights and enabling evidence-based decision-making.

The council sees procurement of the technology as a key enabler for its broader ambitions set out in MK Futures 2050, a strategic framework that reimagines how Milton Keynes will look and function in the middle of the 21st century. The plan calls for action across infrastructure, mobility, environment, and digital transformation, with smarter traffic management identified as a foundational component.

Milton Keynes’ adoption of the system, says TRL, reinforces the city’s position as a leader in transport innovation and urban planning and demonstrates how local authorities can use smart systems to unlock long-term economic and environmental value.

In addition, says TRL, it will provide a robust and flexible foundation for integrating emerging technologies such as connected and autonomous vehicles, making the transport network not only more efficient and inclusive, but also future-ready.

Christopher Kettell, Chief Technologist for TRL Software, said, “Milton Keynes has long been a pioneer in transport innovation, and we are proud to be supporting the city as it continues to lead by example. This deployment will not only improve today’s journeys but also lay the groundwork for the transport technologies of tomorrow.”

Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for Public Realm at Milton Keynes Council, added, “As Milton Keynes grows and evolves, we must ensure our transport systems grow with it, not only in scale, but in intelligence and adaptability.

“Working with TRL Software gives us access to a sophisticated traffic management platform that aligns with our wider objectives around clean growth, digital infrastructure, and city-wide innovation. This investment supports our vision to deliver a seamless, safe, and sustainable transport experience for everyone who lives, works, and travels in Milton Keynes.”