Queensland is preparing to test the nation's inaugural AI-enhanced traffic signals, with expectations of better vehicle movement and shorter waits for pedestrians.

Moreton Bay City Council will pioneer this technology in Australia by placing the smart signals at the crossing of Moreton Parade and Paper Avenue in Petrie, north of Brisbane, scheduled for later this year.

Should the initial phase succeed in easing jams, the council intends to roll out the system at more congested spots.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery expressed enthusiasm about leading the country in testing a system with strong potential to enhance road network efficiency.

The system leverages AI combined with sophisticated algorithms to optimize traffic management in innovative ways.

This allows dynamic prioritization of vehicle and public transport flows based on varying daily demands.

Testing will evaluate adjustments to light phases and crossing durations using real-time data, capabilities absent in the outdated 1980s-era lights currently in place.

Mayor Flannery highlighted the chance to cut down on pointless waiting at reds, a common irritation due to old control systems, particularly when no traffic is present.

Benefits include lower emissions from reduced idling, and the ability to tweak signals per movement with advanced sensors for superior congestion handling during peak inflows.

Implementation involves swapping out old hardware for new setups equipped with detection sensors feeding the AI for instant choices.

Such AI traffic systems are already operational abroad, including in Pittsburgh, USA, where about 50 intersections use them, with expansion to 200 planned.

Carnegie Mellon University reports that its Surtrac system lets signals communicate and decide individually on incoming traffic, achieving up to 25 percent shorter travel times and 40 percent less idling, which lowers fuel use, costs, and pollution.

Local drivers are growing accustomed to AI applications, from car features to cameras catching violations like speeding or phone use.

AI has enhanced safety for walkers at a major Australian junction with notable success. A pioneering effort in Manly, Sydney, achieved over a third reduction in unsafe crossings during 2025 via smart cameras and adaptive signals handling ferry crowds.

The NSW Government noted a 34 percent decrease in pedestrians ignoring the flashing red at The Esplanade and Belgrave Street, where numbers spike dramatically. The setup extends green times during rushes, curbing overflows, and a second location is slated for Parramatta CBD in 2026.

Toyota also shared plans in 2025 for AI in a worldwide initiative targeting zero traffic incidents.