Dynamic Traffic Management and Prioritization for

Emergency Vehicles using IoT-enabled Density

2024 International Conference on Signal Processing, Computation, Electronics, Power and Telecommunication (IConSCEPT) | 979-8-3315-4068-5/24/$31.00 ©2024 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ICONSCEPT61884.2024.10627923

Control
Palani Pavan Teja S. Saravanan Sura Deepika
UG EEE Student Department of EEE UG EEE Student
B V Raju Institute of Technology, B V Raju Institute of Technology, B V Raju Institute of Technology,
Telangana, India Telangana, India Telangana, India
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Surepally Manasa Vijaykumar A M. Prameela
UG EEE Student Department of EEE Department of EEE
B V Raju Institute of Technology, B V Raju Institute of Technology, B V Raju Institute of Technology,
Telangana, India Telangana, India Telangana, India
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract - The project’s goal is to create a density-based rise to various other problems [1]. One of the issues is that
dynamic traffic signal system that can adjust the signal’s waiting for traffic lights to clear results in a waste of
timing based on the amount of traffic at any particular several working hours. This is even more concerning when
junction. As traffic congestion is a major problem in the emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, are waiting to
majority of cities around the world, keeping smart traffic
clear a lane. They are required to wait for the lane to empty
flow on the roads is essential as it helps both citizens and
security agencies. The traffic signals continuously turn green before proceeding, which can cause serious issues due to
or red, and the signals for traffic need to change based on inadequate high-density traffic management [1].
how many vehicles are present in the area. The green lights Typical traffic signals operate on a set schedule, which
should be on longer in situations where there is a lot of means that any changes made to one lane will also affect
traffic going in one way, and the red lights should stay on the other. This is especially true on four-way highways,
longer in situations where there is less traffic. The first where one lane may have more cars waiting for a green
should be given to emergency vehicles like ambulances and light than the other. If neither lane is given the green light,
fire extinguishing engines. Consequently, the idea suggested the system will impact the other lane. Traditional traffic
here is a system in which the length of the green and red light
signal control is based on set timing, determining when the
timings is controlled by the volume of traffic at that
particular time. If an emergency vehicle is in a lane, that lane green light is displayed.
is cleared before any other. The implementation of IoT Emergency vehicles may encounter difficulty
technology is key to our solution. It allows for wireless navigating through congested lanes due to the presence of
connectivity between devices that can be monitored and queued-up vehicles. It could make it difficult for them to
controlled from anywhere, at any time. We use this acquire the required clearance to move as quickly and
technology to connect IR sensors that measure the density of effectively as possible. Delays in the movement of
vehicles on the road. Additionally, a camera takes pictures of emergency vehicles can be harmful, particularly in critical
emergency vehicles which are processed in the server by circumstances where time is of importance. When
using image processing techniques where the image is
responding to an emergency, every second counts and road
processed and calibrated so that signal is sent to the server.
The information about emergency vehicles and the density of congestion may increase the delay.
traffic on each road is then sent to a microcontroller, This aims to establish a traffic management system
specifically the ESP32. The microcontroller uses this using IoT technology that utilises density to give priority to
information to determine the optimal time for green lights, emergency vehicles. IoT is a network of wireless devices
thereby reducing traffic and pollution. connected to the Internet that can be observed or controlled
from anywhere, making it one of the most important
Keywords - IoT technology, vehicle density, infrared technological developments.
sensors, ESP32 cam module. Installing IR sensors on the road to manage traffic flow
based on vehicle density. The sensors will be placed every
I. INTRODUCTION 20 meters and will measure the density of vehicles on the
Traffic jam is a major issue that affects many cities all road. Based on this measurement, the sensor will give a
over the world. It raises travel time, impacts delays in the green signal to one lane and a red signal to the other side.
delivery of services and goods, and reduces a city's overall During a set period, the lanes will turn with the green
efficiency. In addition, it leads to air pollution, hurts the signal going to the lane with the highest vehicle density in
environment, and increases fuel consumption. Heavy the lane opposite. Reducing traffic jams is critical for a
traffic, stop-and-go traffic, and idle cars all drive up fuel more comfortable and stress-free travel. By reducing
usage and expenditures. Accidents and traffic infractions traffic, we may all enjoy faster journeys, lower pollution,
are situations on the road in which cars crash or traffic and improved safety for both walkers and automobiles. [2]
regulations are broken. As traffic jams worsen, they give

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 To help the traffic management system identify The authors [7], proposed an IoT for traffic light
emergency vehicles, a camera module will be used to control proposed an innovative method for traffic signal
capture the vehicle from a distance of 20 meters. The management. It can cut delays, fuel use, and energy waste
captured information will then be transmitted to the esp32, while lowering pollutants by attaching sensors to a
which will automatically display a green signal for the lane microcontroller. The public and emergency vehicles are
in which the emergency vehicle is located. This will allow the focus of the prototype model. It delivers an automated
the vehicle to move through traffic. This might save critical and intelligent traffic system for enhanced urban mobility
time and possibly lives [2]. Traffic lights are essential for based on the IoT.
managing traffic flow smoothly, without being held up by The research team have proposed [8]. The technology
traffic signals and they are ensuring road safety. Although connects poles to sensors that use IoT to notify vehicles of
the rules regarding traffic lights differ by country, some traffic changes.
fundamental principles are generally followed. When the As the authors [9] suggested. A customisable traffic
traffic signal turns red, vehicles must come to an entire light controller circuit for urban traffic management is
stop before crossing the stop zone. If the vehicle fails to being developed. It leverages microcontroller-based
stop, the camera module takes the vehicle's number plate wireless communication across Xmesh and N4IoT network
and sends it to the server. This information is then layer1. The system integrates smoothly with various power
provided to the authorities for further action on traffic sources thanks to its AC/DC circuits, while its
regulations and monitoring purposes. [3]. synchronisation capabilities improve traffic flow.
The writers [10] presented an IoT-based platform for
II. RELATED WORK monitoring and controlling vehicle traffic. They are
The authors propose [1]. The Traffic Management currently developing an advanced traffic monitoring and
System has a primary objective of providing priority regulation system that operates in real time. This state-of-
vehicle clearance. To achieve this objective, the system the-art technology uses ultrasonic sensors that are
uses a range of technologies such as IR sensors, data connected to the IoT and wireless technologies to detect
analytics, communication technologies, and possibly RFID traffic volume in lanes. The collected data is then
or license plate recognition. These technologies work transmitted to a web server over Wi-Fi. Moreover, the
together to automatically modify traffic signals and system also employs RF transceivers to regulate traffic
improve their effectiveness, allowing designated vehicles lights based on recorded traffic volumes. This helps to
to be cleared quickly and efficiently. improve traffic flow and prioritise emergency vehicles.
The authors [2] suggested the system is an IoT-based An IoT-based traffic control system has been proposed
intelligent traffic sign control system that uses data-driven by the authors [11]. The system uses Raspberry Pi to adjust
methods to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. signal timings dynamically based on real-time vehicle
The authors [3] methods used include data analysis density. Additionally, the system utilizes Arduino Uno and
methods, fuzzy logic, adaptive traffic control systems, Wi-Fi technology while MATLAB is used for image
simulation methods and parameters such as traffic density. processing. The results demonstrate that the system is
The main objective is to use these technologies to capable of effectively counting vehicles and reducing
strengthen traffic rules and optimize the efficiency of traffic congestion, which highlights its potential for real-
transport in the market. time traffic management.
The paper’s authors [4] stated, A device aimed at The writers [12] New traffic management system has
tackling traffic congestion has been proposed. It works by been suggested, utilizing computer vision and Android-
using IR sensors and an Arduino UNO to clear traffic based control. The system will combine CCTV cameras, a
based on density. Additionally, the system employs IoT Raspberry Pi 3, and Bluetooth to calculate real-time traffic
technologies such as Blynkapp to track the location of density. A smartphone app will be used to monitor traffic
ambulances and ensure that emergency vehicles can signals remotely and operate them manually or
navigate through the traffic with minimal delay. automatically. The major purpose of this system is to
The researchers in [5] designed and implemented an alleviate traffic congestion and increase the city’s
adaptive traffic control system that functions in real-time productivity.
and makes use of the IoT. Although the specifics are not
mentioned, the title suggests the use of IoT devices such as III. BLOCK DIAGRAM AND FLOW CHART
sensors and actuators, communication protocols, real-time A structured approach was taken in conducting the
computation, and adaptive control algorithms. For a more literature review to bridge the gap between previous
detailed understanding of the technology, further studies and research standards. However, one limitation
exploration may be required. was found due to the lack of planning and implementation.
The study’s authors [6] suggest creating a low -cost IoT
sensor system for real-time remote monitoring. This ESP23
IR Sensor
system is essential to meet the increasing demand for CAM Module
effective remote monitoring solutions in various fields
such as traffic, healthcare, emergency management, and Traffic lights
environmental protection. To achieve this, it is ESP32
LED’s
recommended to develop a microservice-based module
that can monitor environmental parameters in real time.
This module should utilize the 2G data connection network Web Server
and incorporate advanced technology to ensure efficient
data management and communication in diverse areas. Figure 1: Proposed model Block diagram

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The system being discussed is an IoT-based system that prioritizing the motion of emergency vehicles in
offers several benefits such as prioritization of emergency emergencies. The microcontroller can recognize an
vehicles, active traffic management, monitoring of fuel arriving emergency vehicle by receiving signals from GPS
consumption and emissions, and improved safety. Figure systems or emergency vehicle transmitters. The
1 depicts a block diagram of the system integration of microcontroller then acts easily, changing traffic signals in
density-based traffic light control and emergency vehicle real time to give the emergency vehicle a clear path.
prioritization. The microcontroller is connected to IR
B. IR Sensors
sensors, an Esp32 cam module, traffic lights and a web
server. The system dynamically adjusts the traffic signals An IR sensor is a device that detects objects or
based on the density of vehicles at an intersection. IR environmental changes using infrared technology. IR
sensors are used to monitor traffic density at the sensor has a frequency range between 300 GHz and 400
intersection in all directions, and the system aims to delay THz. sensors can detect a variety of physical qualities,
the traffic signal. The sensors count the number of including temperature, motion, and proximity. To monitor
vehicles passing through the intersection. The Esp32 Cam the volume of traffic, infrared sensors can be placed
Module detects the presence of any emergency vehicle strategically at junctions and other major areas along the
and informs the microcontroller, which then activates the route. Estimating the volume of traffic on different road
green light in the direction of the emergency vehicle. [1,7]. segments is made easier with the use of this information.
The following algorithm is designed to manage traffic
signals by detecting emergency vehicles and using IR
sensors. The steps involved in this algorithm are as
follows:
• If an emergency vehicle is detected, set Flag-1
and set the signal duration to 30 seconds.
• Start reading IR sensor data.
• If one sensor detects a vehicle, set the signal Figure 3: IR sensor
duration to 30 seconds.
• If two sensors detect vehicles, set the signal The distance of the vehicle lines at junctions can be
duration to 45 seconds. measured using infrared sensors. To ensure effective traffic
• Send the details to the microcontroller. flow and optimize signal timings, this data is essential. The
• If Flag-1 is set, turn the signal of the lane with the traffic control system can dynamically modify traffic
emergency vehicle to green, regardless of the signal timings to prioritize an emergency vehicle's
rotation. Wait until the vehicle passes the signal. movement after it has been recognized. This may involve
• If no sensors are detecting, skip the signal and extending green lights or even immediately stopping traffic
turn it to green. Wait until the duration is over. in other directions to allow the emergency vehicle to pass
quickly and safely. The established traffic management
IV. COMPONENTS centre can receive the data gathered by infrared sensors. In
addition, it makes it possible to track traffic patterns and
A. ESP32 Microcontroller emergency vehicle movements in real time. The traffic
The ESP32 is an adjustable microcontroller that has control centre can then effectively manage traffic by
been widely used in Internet of Things applications. Its making well-informed decisions.
main features include a dual-core processor, Wi-Fi and
C. ESP32 Camera Module:
Bluetooth connection, and low power usage. It specialises
in applications that need wireless communication, sensor The ESP32-CAM module combines an ESP32
integration, and real-time. In density-based traffic microcontroller and a camera, enabling the development
management, microcontrollers monitor traffic conditions of connected devices with image and video capabilities. In
by using sensors such as cameras or loop sensors. Through Density-Based Traffic Management with Emergency
continuous data collection and analysis, they monitor Vehicle Prioritization, a camera module is essential
traffic density in different areas. because it provides real-time visual data that is processed
and analyzed to help those making decisions.

Figure 2: ESP32 Microcontroller

The microcontroller may continuously update traffic
signal timings based on this data, optimizing vehicle flow
and reducing congestion. Microcontrollers are essential for
Figure 4: Cam Module

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The camera module records a real-time picture of the Finally, when no sensor detects then the time will not be
junctions as well as the road. To determine and count the varied and there will be no vehicles in that lane.
number of vehicles in each lane, computer vision Emergency vehicle prioritization is achieved with the help
algorithms analyses the captured images. The image of a camera where basic image processing techniques are
signal is used to monitor vehicle flow, allowing the used to identify any emergency vehicle coming towards
system to identify congestion in real time. The system the signal in traffic. Use of “Edge impulse” which is a
adjusts traffic signal timings continuously based on data leading online platform used for machine learning on edge
from the camera module. The device can alert the traffic devices. Use of basic image processing and a FOMO
management center in real time if it detects an emergency (Faster objects, more objects) model is used which is based
vehicle. It is possible to immediately change the traffic on MobileNetV2.0.1 and supports greyscale images at any
lights so that the arriving emergency vehicle has priority. resolution. So, after training the model with images of
ambulance vehicles, the model becomes capable of
D. LED lights
identifying an emergency vehicle and sending the signal to
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are semiconductor the microcontroller. This model is then imported as
devices that transform electrical energy into light, Arduino library which is then used to program ESP32 cam
providing energy efficiency, durability, and brightness. In a and image processing is done. This control system can also
density-based system, LED lights may adjust the timing of achieve a traffic rule monitoring system with the help of an
their signals in response to variations in the number of
esp32 cam which can act as a live server streaming the
vehicles at a given junction. For instance, areas with more
feed to the control room and it can also store the recorded
traffic density may receive longer green signals. Sensors
and communication systems can be used with LED lights footage which can help in rechecking the footage in the
to identify emergency vehicles as they enter. To ensure fast future. Further, with the help of AI, we can track the
travel through the junction, the traffic signal system can vehicles that break the traffic rules capture the image and
prioritize the green signal for an emergency vehicle once send it to the control room which are later fined by
detection. Lane changes and lane closures can be signalled officials based on the type of violation.
to vehicles using LED lane indicators. These signals can be
set to direct traffic out of the emergency zone in the event
of an emergency, making room for emergency vehicles.

Fig-6: LED Lights

V. WORKING & PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

The new method for optimizing traffic flow utilizes
infrared (IR) sensors placed along the side of the road.
These sensors measure the number of vehicles in each
lane, enabling dynamic adjustments to the timing of the
signals. By allocating green lights to lanes with higher
vehicle densities and flashing red lights for lanes with Figure 6: working model
lower densities, this system seeks to improve traffic
management. The IR sensors detect the presence and the VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
area of vehicles in real-time with accuracy. The data from
these sensors is analysed when vehicles increase by them A. Case I: Fewer Density vehicles
to determine each lane's density. This continuous The figure 7 demonstrates that the time allocated to
monitoring provides a flexible and adaptable traffic each lane according to the density. In our case as the
management system. When the vehicles are more on one vehicle, density is less the time allocated to each lane is 20
lane then the green light will be given for this particular sec. After the duration, the green light is turned off and the
lane and the rest of the lanes will be turned red. If the next lane is turned green. Each sensor can be placed 10m
system detects two IR sensors, we can identify the vehicles – 15m apart depending on the requirement.
are more for high-time (45 secs). If one sensor detects then
the vehicles are medium for (30 sec).

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 To detected emergency vehicle, we are using an
readily trained model used for detecting only emergency
vehicles once it enters the frames. Once it is detected the
signal is given to micro controller and the traffic signal is
turned Green.

VII. CONCLUSION:
An adaptive traffic control system prototype
implemented in this paper. There are three stages to the
implementation. Using ESPP32 microcontroller and
devices established IOT-based connection. In the first
Figure 7: Fewer Density vehicles stage how traffic signal dynamics affect congestion levels.
The ESP32 collects the acquired output, and the LEDs
For demonstration purposes, each IR sensor were light up corresponding with the ESP32 outputs. At the
placed 15 cm apart for sensing the vehicles. If only one same time, the second stage demonstrates how to move an
sensor is triggered, then it is considered to be low density emergency vehicle that stands close to a road junction.
and if 2 sensors are detected then the traffic is considered The proposed strategy makes use of an image processing
as medium density and as the no of sensors detected method to clear the emergency vehicle lane. This strategy
increases the duration is set accordingly keeping has the potential to mitigate the loss of life in ambulances
maximum duration for each lane fixed. due to traffic congestion significantly. The suggested
B. Case II: High density on a single lane approach will be crucial in determining traffic congestion
The figure 8 shows the situation where there is high so that traffic signals may be controlled. Finally, the
density on a single lane while all other lanes are empty. vehicles that break the traffic rules with the help of AI can
Therefore, the priority is given to the lane with high capture the image and send it to the control room. The
density and duration is adjusted according to the density real-time prototype underscores the feasibility of our
detected. After 40 seconds, the lane is turned red system, with future directions focusing on advanced
irrespective of the traffic present so that other lanes should machine learning models, improved sensor accuracy, and
also be cleared. expanded network coverage.

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