UK to combat air pollution with AI-powered traffic lights

The UK plans to tackle pollution with AI-powered traffic lights that delay the arrival of vehicles in toxic air hotspots. The system collects data on local pollution and traffic flows through roadside sensors, weather forecasts, and Bluetooth devices in cars. An algorithm then analyzes both live and historical data to predict where air pollution will spike within the next hour. When the system forecasts a sharp rise in toxic pollutants, the traffic light timings will automatically change. Drivers on their way to pollution hotspots will be held at red lights for up to 20 seconds longer than usual.