AI tech slashing Teesside traffic waiting times by 'months'

May 24, 2026 - 04:39

A new artificial intelligence system is dramatically reducing how long drivers spend stuck in traffic on Teesside roads, with officials reporting that waiting times have been slashed by what they describe as "months" of cumulative delay. Data from the Tees Valley Combined Authority reveals that motorists have already been saved more than 5,000 hours of sitting in congestion since the technology was introduced.

The AI-driven traffic management system uses real-time data from cameras and sensors to adjust traffic light sequences, prioritising flow at busy junctions and responding instantly to changing conditions. Unlike traditional fixed-timer systems, the software learns from traffic patterns and can predict bottlenecks before they form. This has led to smoother journeys on key routes, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Local transport leaders say the impact has been significant, with some drivers reporting that journeys which previously took 20 minutes now take less than 10. The system is part of a broader push to modernise infrastructure across the region without expensive road widening projects. While officials caution that results vary by location, early figures suggest the technology is delivering on its promise to cut gridlock. The combined authority is now exploring how to expand the system to cover more junctions and integrate with public transport schedules.