Connected vehicle technologies are gradually moving beyond pilot projects and becoming part of everyday traffic management. Berlin has recently begun testing a Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) solution that enables traffic lights to communicate directly with connected vehicles, demonstrating how digital infrastructure can improve both traffic efficiency and road safety.

The trial allows equipped vehicles to receive information about traffic signal timing before reaching an intersection. By knowing when a traffic light is about to change, drivers—or automated driving systems—can adjust their speed more smoothly, reducing unnecessary braking and acceleration. This information can also help prioritise certain vehicle movements and improve the overall flow of traffic through busy urban corridors.

For transport professionals, the project illustrates the growing importance of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication within modern intelligent transport systems. While onboard sensors provide vehicles with an understanding of their immediate surroundings, connected infrastructure can supply information that is impossible to observe directly, such as upcoming signal phases or temporary traffic management measures. Combining these two sources of information creates a more complete picture of the road environment and supports safer, more efficient driving decisions.

The Berlin pilot also reflects a broader European ambition to expand interoperable C-ITS services across national borders. Many European cities are investing in connected roadside infrastructure as part of wider digital mobility strategies, recognising that infrastructure intelligence can complement advances in vehicle automation. As common communication standards continue to mature, these services are expected to become increasingly compatible across different manufacturers and transport networks.

Although connected traffic lights may appear to be a relatively small step, they represent an important building block for the future of intelligent mobility. As more vehicles and roadside systems begin sharing real-time information, urban transport networks will become increasingly coordinated, helping to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and support the next generation of connected and automated transport.

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HILL, Adam. Berlin tries out C-ITS traffic light control [online]. 17. July 2026 [cit. 2026-07-22].
Available from: https://www.itsinternational.com/news/berlin-tries-out-c-its-traffic-light-control