Jaguar Land Rover tech helps drivers avoid red traffic lights

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has developed new technology that aims to stop drivers getting stuck at traffic lights.

The British carmaker’s Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) system uses “vehicle-to-infrastructure” technology, allowing cars to communicate with roadside structures such as traffic lights and roadworks.

Fitted to a prototype version of Jaguar’s F-Pace SUV in a trial, the system relayed traffic light information to the driver through a digital display in the centre console, according to car news site Motoring Research.

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The driver is then given an optimum speed (pictured below) to maintain to avoid having to stop at a red light, adds the website.

JLR hopes the system can be used to avoid “tailbacks” and prevent drivers from speeding towards traffic lights to “beat” a red signal, Auto Express reports.

The magazine says the GLOSA system has been developed through a £20 million government-funded project called UK Autodrive.

Other technologies using GLOSA are also being developed, including a system that alerts drivers to approaching emergency service vehicles. The tech can also advise drivers when to cross a dangerous junction.

While the GLOSA system is ready to be installed in vehicles, a JLR spokesperson told Autocar that the technology may not find its way into production cars for another three to five years.

“From a technical point of view we’re ready, but the infrastructure required is not,” the spokesperson said.