Mayor hails technology as key step toward region’s Vision Zero goals
A busy junction in Coventry has seen near misses between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists fall by more than 88%, following the introduction of AI-powered safety technology designed to identify collision risks before accidents occur. The dramatic improvement at the junction of Grange Road and Anderton Road in Longford demonstrates the growing potential of artificial intelligence in making streets safer for all road users.
The initiative, led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), used advanced AI sensors to capture real-world near miss incidents. By analysing hundreds of interactions at the junction, the technology pinpointed exactly where and how dangerous conflicts were occurring—often involving vehicles passing within inches of pedestrians and cyclists. These insights guided Coventry City Council in designing and installing a new pedestrian refuge, funded by TfWM, which forces vehicles to slow down and prevents drivers from cutting the corner when turning.
Early results have been striking. Average vehicle speeds recorded during near misses have dropped from 14–16 mph to 10.5–12.5 mph, significantly reducing the likelihood of serious injury. Footage captured before the intervention revealed vehicles stopping just inches away from vulnerable road users, including a woman pushing a child in a buggy and a local dog walker.
The announcement comes during National Road Safety Week, a moment TfWM leaders say highlights the importance of innovation in tackling preventable road danger. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, praised the technology’s impact, calling it a vital step toward the region’s commitment to eliminating road fatalities. “One life lost on our roads is one too many,” he said. “We need every tool available to make journeys safer for everyone, and this new AI technology is helping us prevent collisions before they happen. Coventry is leading the way, and the results show how technology can improve safety and save lives.”
The AI vision sensors—developed by VivaCity—are designed to detect near misses by measuring the distance between moving vehicles and more vulnerable road users. This approach marks a shift away from traditional road safety planning, which often relies on collision data that only becomes available after someone has been injured.
The Grange Road junction is one of 40 locations across the West Midlands where sensors have been installed as part of a wider pilot scheme. Given the success of the Coventry trial, TfWM and local councils are now assessing more sites where AI-guided interventions could prevent future accidents, with reviews already underway at similar T-junctions across the region.
