Overview of Traffic Light Control

Traffic light control systems are essential for managing vehicle and pedestrian flow at intersections,
aiming to reduce congestion, waiting times, and environmental impacts. Over time, these systems have
evolved from manual and fixed-time operations to adaptive, intelligent, and privacy-preserving solutions.

Historical Development

Early traffic light systems were manually operated by police, followed by mechanical fixed-time
controllers. Later, coordinated systems linked multiple intersections to maintain steady traffic flow. The
introduction of vehicle-actuated signals, using detector mats, allowed for more responsive control based
on real-time vehicle presence, marking a significant advancement over fixed-time systems. However,
these early systems often lacked flexibility and did not indicate remaining signal time, sometimes leading
to unsafe driving behaviors or inefficiencies(, 1934).

Modern Approaches and Technologies

Adaptive and Dynamic Control

Recent research has focused on adaptive and dynamic traffic light control, leveraging real-time data from
sensors and cameras. These systems adjust signal timings based on current traffic conditions, reducing
delays and improving throughput. For example, quasi-dynamic policies use partial state information to
adjust green and red cycles, optimizing performance through online algorithms(Fleck et al., 2016).
Dynamic traffic light control frameworks employ sensor networks to collect data and use algorithms to
optimize flow, reducing waiting times and congestion(Younis & Moayeri, 2017; Ghazal et al., 2016).

Intelligent and Machine Learning-Based Systems

The integration of machine learning, particularly deep reinforcement learning, has enabled traffic light
controllers to make more nuanced decisions. Deep Q-learning and other neural network-based models
can directly determine optimal phase durations, balancing multiple traffic metrics and adapting to
complex scenarios(Liang et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2022; Raja et al., 2025). These intelligent systems have
demonstrated significant improvements in reducing vehicle and pedestrian waiting times compared to
traditional fixed or semi-dynamic methods(Deshpande & Hsieh, 2023; Raja et al., 2025).
Smart and Cyber-Physical Systems

Smart traffic light control systems are increasingly part of broader smart city initiatives. These systems
use centralized or distributed architectures, often with wireless communication networks, to monitor
and control intersections. They can handle extraordinary events, such as accidents or public gatherings,
and provide real-time status updates to central management(Oliveira et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2018).
Cyber-physical systems further enhance adaptability by integrating physical sensors with computational
algorithms, enabling dynamic interval adjustments based on real-time traffic and pedestrian
data(Deshpande & Hsieh, 2023; Younis & Moayeri, 2017).

Security and Privacy

With the rise of connected and autonomous vehicles, security and privacy have become critical concerns.
Recent work has proposed privacy-preserving protocols and secure architectures using fog computing to
protect vehicular data and ensure robust operation even under high vehicle densities or potential cyber-
attacks(Liu et al., 2018; Raja et al., 2025).

Summary of Past Work

Early systems were manual or fixed-time, evolving to vehicle-actuated and coordinated controllers(,
1934).

Adaptive and dynamic control methods use real-time data and online optimization to improve
efficiency(Fleck et al., 2016; Younis & Moayeri, 2017; Ghazal et al., 2016).

Machine learning, especially deep reinforcement learning, enables intelligent, scenario-adaptive control,
reducing delays and congestion(Liang et al., 2018; Deshpande & Hsieh, 2023; Liu et al., 2022; Raja et al.,
2025).

Smart and cyber-physical systems integrate hardware and software for centralized, flexible, and event-
responsive management(Oliveira et al., 2021; Deshpande & Hsieh, 2023; Younis & Moayeri, 2017).

Security and privacy are addressed through advanced protocols and distributed computing, ensuring safe
and efficient operation in modern urban environments(Liu et al., 2018; Raja et al., 2025).

These advancements collectively contribute to more efficient, safe, and adaptable traffic management,
supporting the development of smart cities and intelligent transportation systems.
References

Liang, X., Du, X., Wang, G., & Han, Z. (2018). A Deep Reinforcement Learning Network for Traffic Light
Cycle Control. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 68, 1243-1253.
https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2018.2890726

Fleck, J., Cassandras, C., & Geng, Y. (2016). Adaptive Quasi-Dynamic Traffic Light Control. IEEE
Transactions on Control Systems Technology, 24, 830-842. https://doi.org/10.1109/TCST.2015.2468181

Oliveira, L., Manera, L., & Luz, P. (2021). Development of a Smart Traffic Light Control System With Real-
Time Monitoring. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 8, 3384-3393.
https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2020.3022392

Deshpande, S., & Hsieh, S. (2023). Cyber-Physical System for Smart Traffic Light Control. Sensors (Basel,
Switzerland), 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115028

Liu, J., Qin, S., Luo, Y., Wang, Y., & Yang, S. (2022). Intelligent Traffic Light Control by Exploring Strategies
in an Optimised Space of Deep Q-Learning. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 71, 5960-5970.
https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2022.3160871

(1934). Control of Traffic by Light Signals. Nature, 134, 806-807. https://doi.org/10.1038/134806c0

Liu, J., Li, J., Zhang, L., Dai, F., Zhang, Y., Meng, X., & Shen, J. (2018). Secure intelligent traffic light control
using fog computing. Future Gener. Comput. Syst., 78, 817-824.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2017.02.017

Younis, O., & Moayeri, N. (2017). Employing Cyber-Physical Systems: Dynamic Traffic Light Control at
Road Intersections. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 4, 2286-2296.
https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2017.2765243
Ghazal, B., El-Khatib, K., Chahine, K., & Kherfan, M. (2016). Smart traffic light control system. 2016 Third
International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Computer Engineering and their Applications (EECEA),
140-145. https://doi.org/10.1109/EECEA.2016.7470780

Raja, G., Nkenyereye, L., Srividya, P., Balachandar, T., Senthivel, S., Mathew, L., & Dev, K. (2025). Intuitive
and Privacy-Preserving Traffic Light Control System for Autonomous Vehicles. IEEE Internet of Things
Journal, 12, 6563-6572. https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2024.3491973

Traffic Light Control: Real-World Examples

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has implemented several advanced traffic light control systems to address congestion and
safety. For example, the city of Dhahran has adopted intelligent traffic control protocols using
optimization algorithms like NSGA-II, genetic algorithms, and differential evolution to reduce vehicle
delays, fuel consumption, and emissions at intersections, achieving improvements of up to 23% in key
performance measures(Al-Turki et al., 2020; Jamal et al., 2020). Riyadh has explored intelligent traffic
light systems using fuzzy logic to adapt signal timings based on real-time conditions, aiming to reduce
unnecessary stops and delays(Alfaifi & Tchier, 2024). Additionally, the SAHER system, which integrates
law enforcement cameras with traffic signals, has been deployed to improve intersection safety and
compliance, although it can sometimes lead to longer queues due to cautious driver behavior(Alfawzan
& Aftab, 2022; Khan et al., 2020).

United States

While the provided abstracts do not mention specific U.S. companies, the United States is known for
deploying advanced traffic management systems developed by companies such as Siemens Mobility,
Econolite, and Cubic Transportation Systems. These companies provide adaptive traffic signal control
solutions that use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety. For
example, adaptive signal control technologies are widely used in major U.S. cities to dynamically adjust
signal timings based on traffic demand, improving travel times and reducing delays.

China
Although the abstracts do not directly reference Chinese companies, China is a global leader in smart city
and intelligent transportation system (ITS) deployments. Companies like Huawei and Alibaba have
developed and implemented AI-powered traffic light control systems in large cities such as Hangzhou
and Shenzhen. These systems use big data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor traffic
conditions in real time and adjust signal timings accordingly, resulting in significant reductions in
congestion and improved traffic efficiency.

Summary Table: Real-World Traffic Light Control Examples

Country Example System/Company Key Features/Approach Impact/Results

Saudi Arabia NSGA-II, SAHER, Fuzzy Logic Optimization algorithms, law enforcement cameras,
adaptive/fuzzy logic control 16–35% reduction in delays, improved safety(Al-Turki et al., 2020; Jamal et
al., 2020; Alfaifi & Tchier, 2024; Alfawzan & Aftab, 2022)

United States Siemens, Econolite, Cubic Adaptive signal control, real-time data analytics Widely adopted
in major cities, improved flow

China Huawei, Alibaba AI-powered, big data-driven adaptive traffic light systems Significant congestion
reduction, smart city leader

These examples illustrate how real-world companies and cities are leveraging advanced technologies to
control traffic lights, optimize traffic flow, and enhance road safety at both local and national levels.

References

Al-Turki, M., Jamal, A., Al-Ahmadi, H., Al-Sughaiyer, M., & Zahid, M. (2020). On the Potential Impacts of
Smart Traffic Control for Delay, Fuel Energy Consumption, and Emissions: An NSGA-II-Based Optimization
Case Study from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187394

Jamal, A., Rahman, M., Al-Ahmadi, H., Ullah, I., & Zahid, M. (2020). Intelligent Intersection Control for
Delay Optimization: Using Meta-Heuristic Search Algorithms. Sustainability.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051896

Alfaifi, A., & Tchier, F. (2024). Intelligent Traffic Lights Control System: Riyadh City. The Eurasia
Proceedings of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.
https://doi.org/10.55549/epstem.1592988
Alfawzan, M., & Aftab, A. (2022). Efficiency Assessment of New Signal Timing in Saudi Arabia
Implementing Flashing Green Interval Complimented with Law Enforcement Cameras. Sustainability.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214879

Khan, N., Jhanjhi, N., Brohi, S., Usmani, R., & Nayyar, A. (2020). Smart traffic monitoring system using
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Comput. Commun., 157, 434-443.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comcom.2020.04.049