Unlike traditional traffic lights that turn green when the light changes, this new system rewards drivers who adhere to the speed limit by turning green for them. However, for speeders, the light remains red, compelling them to slow down and even come to a complete stop.
Known as FRED, which stands for "feu de ralentissement éducatif" or "educational traffic-calming light," this technology has already been widely used in Europe and is now making its way to North America. Brossard has initiated a 90-day trial of FRED on a two-lane street in a suburban residential area. Since its implementation, the average vehicle speed on the street has significantly decreased from 25 mph to 18 mph (40 to 28 kmh).
Brossard's mayor, Doreen Assaad, explained that the introduction of FRED is a response to the public's demand for effective measures to control speeding near school zones. While fines can be effective, they only serve as a deterrent after the fact. FRED, on the other hand, rewards good driving behavior in real-time. The system doesn't collect any personal information; it simply detects approaching vehicles and measures their speed, providing an immediate incentive for drivers to comply with speed limits.
Although the current FRED light is limited to smaller two-lane streets and cannot control traffic at intersections, it sets the stage for more creative solutions to combat excessive speeding and reckless driving. By leveraging existing traffic light infrastructure, it's possible to envision a network of lights programmed to reward responsible driving and extend red lights for those engaging in dangerous behavior.
Source: StreetsblogMass
