In the municipality of Essenbach, an AI-controlled traffic light has been causing strong emotions for three months. The operator warns against having too high expectations.
A traffic light system equipped with artificial intelligence is intended to regulate traffic in the Lower Bavarian municipality of Essenbach. According to a report by BR24, residents are not happy about it.
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The inauguration of the facility at the beginning of April was a media event. Bavaria’s Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU) demonstratively crossed the intersection on his bicycle.
The initial excitement has since subsided. Mayor Dieter Neubauer (CSU) is increasingly confronted with complaints. “It’s supposed to be intelligent? If it’s intelligent, then I’m a genius,” he quotes a frustrated citizen as saying.
The dissatisfaction is particularly evident on the side streets. According to the report, vehicles are backed up here even when the main road is clear.
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Learning Process and Focus on Pedestrian Safety
Stephan Stroh, head of traffic management at the responsible state construction directorate, explains the situation. The AI works but needs time to learn. He compares the system to a novice driver who has to convert theoretical knowledge into practical experience.
A key aspect causing dissatisfaction among many drivers is the AI’s focus on pedestrian safety. The system can distinguish between different types of pedestrians and adjusts the traffic lights accordingly.
The traffic light recognizes movement patterns and reacts to them. If a pedestrian approaches, the green phase is adjusted. There are special displays for cyclists to help them reach the green phase. Emergency vehicles are also taken into account. When the blue light is on, the traffic light turns red for everyone else.
Contrary to the expectations of many drivers, the main focus is not on optimizing traffic flow. Technically, AI control for the entire intersection area would be possible, but legally this is not yet feasible, the report says.
The pilot project will be evaluated after one year.
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Other AI Traffic Lights Also Annoy Drivers
Another AI traffic light is also causing trouble. A model has been put into operation in the city of Hamm. However, the new traffic light is apparently not working smoothly so far. According to one report, the new AI traffic light caused a serious traffic jam. The AI traffic light stayed red permanently, even though there were no pedestrians nearby. Over time, some drivers became impatient and carefully passed the red light, while others waited until the police arrived to regulate the traffic. The police had apparently already had to intervene at the new AI traffic light a week earlier.
