Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used to improve the understanding of the use of cycle lanes in Kingston and Sutton.

Kingston and Sutton Council will use tech company Vivacity's AI and Internet of Things technology to provide anonymous data on different transport modes and movement patterns.

Sensors will be used to gather information about each borough's cycle infrastructure, including the number of cyclists using the existing cycle lanes.

The data collected will help the councils to consider the areas to be included in any future expansion of their cycle infrastructure.

Kingston Council says it has recognised the need to reduce the amount of private car use and to promote active travel.

Councillor Manuel Abellan, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee said: "This will enable us to identify opportunities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and make progress towards becoming carbon neutral, tackling the climate emergency and being a green borough."

Jack Fifield, a local cyclist, said of the scheme: "Safer cycling infrastructure is important if we are to survive the climate emergency, as well as the inactivity crisis threatening our NHS.

"There are numerous mental and physical benefits to cycling, and it is good to see the council facilitating safe cycling."

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17 sites in Kingston will be analysed, including routes in Kingston Town Centre, Surbiton, Tolworth, Chessington and New Malden, along with 13 in Sutton.

Mark Nicholson, CEO of Vivacity Labs commented: "As restrictions are eased, making roads smarter, safer and more sustainable is vital, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on cycling that this project will create."

Vivacity's AI sensors and 'Smart Junctions' signal control gather information and anonymous data 24/7 on transport modes, traffic flow and travel patterns.

Their sensors have already been deployed in over forty towns and cities across the UK.

The initiative is part of the InnOvaTe Project , a platform run by the South London Partnership and London Councils which uses technology to help people live healthier lives .

5 London boroughs are part of the project, which has been running since 2018: these are Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton.

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