What is it about?
This paper explores the advancement of smart traffic management system using the Internet of Things (IoT). It works as middleware on the foundation of the IoT and augments the idea of the smart city through the traffic light control, smart parking, smart emergent assistance, anti-theft security system, and others. IoT provides an effective way of interactions among the web devices with the traffic embedded sensors, services, actuators, and other interconnected networks. Hence, the application of IoT in the smart traffic management system is not only limited to the reduction of the traffic congestion, air quality improvement, and traffic flow optimization but also extended to the continuous monitoring and ensuring the security and safety for the elderly people. Acquiring multiple sources of traffic information for data analysis, IoT monitors the traffic flow, controls the traffic operation and stores the correct decision for the future information presentation. Having a combination of advanced machine learning approach and data-driven technique, there are implementation limitations of this technology. However, this survey provides a good insight into the application of IoT in the smart traffic management system based on the existing research perspective.
Featured Image
Photo by Mohammad O Siddiqui on Unsplash
Why is it important?
We present a comprehensive review of how the Internet of Things (IoT) is shaping next-generation smart traffic management systems. This is important in the broader context of smart city development, where intelligent mobility solutions are key to sustainable urban living. Two significant contributions of this work are: a) the identification of how IoT enables not just traffic flow optimization, but also supports critical extensions such as emergency response, elderly safety, anti-theft systems, and smart parking—highlighting a holistic integration into civic infrastructure; and b) the survey’s emphasis on the role of real-time data analytics and machine learning, while critically examining the implementation barriers such as scalability, interoperability, and data security. These insights serve as a timely bridge between theory and deployment, helping to inform future research and policy decisions in intelligent transportation systems.
Perspectives
I hope this article helps readers see that traffic management is no longer just about stoplights and congestion maps—it's about creating responsive, inclusive, and intelligent systems that shape how we live, move, and connect in our cities. IoT gives us the tools to think beyond traditional infrastructure and embrace real-time, data-driven decision-making for everyone on the road—whether they’re commuters, emergency responders, or elderly pedestrians. More than anything, I hope this survey inspires technologists, planners, and researchers to work together on solutions that not only move traffic, but move society forward.
Md Khurram Monir Rabby
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A Review of IoT Application in a Smart Traffic Management System, September 2019, Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE),
DOI: 10.1109/icaee48663.2019.8975582.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
