Transport for London (TfL) is set to start using new technology from two UK start-ups to reduce road danger and disruption caused by roadworks and unplanned incidents on the road network.

In 2019, TfL launched an innovation challenge called RoadLab, which called on the UK's leading innovators to develop technology that could make roadworks in the capital safer, smarter and more accessible.

Nine innovators were chosen to go through to a ten-week programme, where their proposed technology was trialled and developed with the support of London's major utility companies and London Councils.

Following a procurement process, TfL has now awarded contracts to samdesk and Immense for technology that will make the management of London's road network safer, smarter and more efficient.

Immense uses innovative simulation technology that models roadworks to understand their impact on the capital's road network before they take place. The software can provide TfL and utilities staff with information on predicted congestion impacts, increases in emissions and the safety impacts of planned roadworks.

Software from samdesk leverages artificial intelligence and real time anonymised social media data to detect emerging disruptions, giving TfL staff a faster and more comprehensive insight into incidents unfolding across the transport network. 

Rikesh Shah, TfL's Head of Commercial Innovation, said: “Our RoadLab programme has shown how the public and private sector can work together to create smart solutions to London's transport problems.

“The technology developed by both samdesk and Immense builds on the great results we achieved following the research and development work with during RoadLab.

“This delivered nine innovative solutions in ten weeks, an astounding effort for both the public and private sector which we hope to build on in future innovation challenges.”