TRL Software has launched SCOOT® 8 AI, the world’s first AI-powered predictive solution for Urban Traffic Control (UTC).

Building on five decades of SCOOT® experience from TRL, this groundbreaking evolution of the globally trusted SCOOT® introduces artificial intelligence capable of forecasting traffic conditions up to 30 minutes in advance – empowering cities to prevent congestion before it occurs.

SCOOT® 8 AI delivers journey-time reductions of up to 15% compared with current generation systems, and even greater gains for cities upgrading from earlier versions. By combining proven adaptive signal control with predictive AI, TRL Software enables a shift from reactive traffic management to proactive optimisation.

SCOOT® 8 AI offers a range of key innovations and benefits, including predictive control that forecasts network demand and automatically adjusts signal timings for smoother traffic flow, reduced delays, and faster incident response, all without costly microsimulation.

Its intelligent automation uses self-optimising algorithms to cut manual interventions and features built-in anomaly detection that can identify incidents up to 40% faster, often before emergency calls are made.

The system is hardware-agnostic and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, protecting previous investments while adding future-ready capabilities such as support for active travel and connected or autonomous vehicles.

Real-time performance dashboards track return on investment and allow integration with third-party platforms like Waze for Cities, ensuring continuous, data-driven optimisation.

SCOOT® has been managing traffic flow in more than 350 towns and cities worldwide for nearly 50 years and is widely regarded as the gold standard in adaptive signal control.

As the original developer, TRL Software is the exclusive source for SCOOT® 8 AI, ensuring cities receive authentic expertise, full support, and continuous innovation.

With growing challenges around congestion, emissions, and road safety, SCOOT® 8 AI provides transport authorities with a robust, future-ready platform that delivers measurable results and a typical return on investment within 12 months.

Christopher Kettell, Chief Technologist at TRL Software, said “SCOOT® 8 AI represents a fundamental shift in how cities manage traffic. By combining our proven adaptive control with predictive AI, we are not just responding to congestion, we are preventing it. More importantly, we are tracking every outcome to give cities real confidence that their investment is delivering tangible results on their streets.”