Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique allows traffic signals to detect vehicles passing and amends signal timings to adjust traffic flows accordingly through an area.

London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London (TfL) recently announced progress in cutting delays on the Capital's roads thanks to a sophisticated programme of works to make traffic signals more efficient and adaptive to traffic flows.

More than 40% of traffic signals across London now 'self regulate', cutting disruption by up to nearly 20% at upgraded junctions.

TfL has been introducing innovative technology known as Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT).  This allows traffic signals to detect vehicles passing along a road and work together to amend their signal timings on a second by second basis to adjust traffic flows accordingly through an area, making journeys more reliable.

Around 40% of the Capital's 6,000 traffic signals now use SCOOT and work continues at a pace to have half of London's traffic signals running with the system by spring 2014.