Digitalisation meets road safety

The security of urban spaces is increasingly being shaped by digital technologies. While traditional transport systems have primarily served to control traffic flow and capacity for decades, modern intelligent transport systems (ITS) are developing into a key infrastructure that goes far beyond traffic light control. Transport, communication, data analysis and security are merging into a network that makes cities more efficient and resilient. This opens up a field for the security industry that combines physical security, cyber resilience and operational coordination.

Market opportunities and economic prospects

From an economic perspective, the ITS market is growing steadily: according to forecasts, the market volume will increase from 42.55 billion US dollars in 2025 to 55.36 billion US dollars in 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4 per cent. This development is driven by the growing demand for intelligent traffic management, political initiatives to reduce traffic accidents and the increasing integration of smart mobility solutions. These technologies come with a promise of safety: ITS is not only intended to reduce traffic jams, but also to prevent accidents, detect hazards and enable a rapid crisis response in emergencies.

Prevention through intelligent systems

A core area for the security industry is accident and hazard prevention. Sensors, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things enable the identification of risks in near real time. Systems detect wrong-way drivers, automatically report accidents and detect unusual traffic movements. Adaptive traffic light controls reduce conflicts at intersections and protect pedestrians and cyclists. This shifts the safety logic from organisational planning to integrated technical prevention.

Support for emergency services

In addition to prevention, ITS significantly supports the work of the police, fire brigade and emergency services. They provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, integrating traffic, roadworks, weather and major events. Control centres benefit from prioritised routes for emergency vehicles and optimised traffic light sequences for blue light corridors. Coordination between different organisations becomes more efficient, interoperable and faster, enabling the security industry to provide digital tools that take traditional emergency planning to a new level.

Cybersecurity as a core task

With digitalisation, the attack surface is also growing. Cameras, sensors and data platforms form a complex ecosystem that is vulnerable without robust cybersecurity. Manipulation of traffic data, attacks on control centres or sabotage of road sensors can not only cause economic damage, but also endanger lives. The security industry must therefore offer end-to-end protection: hardened edge devices, encrypted communication protocols, continuous vulnerability management and integration into security operations centres are essential. It is particularly important to secure V2X communication between vehicles and infrastructure, which will be secured via public key infrastructures in the future.

Segment development and opportunities for security providers

Information management is developing particularly dynamically. Platforms that bring together data from different sources create real-time situation reports. Security providers can use these to improve crime prevention and operational planning and enable cloud-based collaboration between authorities. At the same time, road traffic remains the leading segment. Intelligent video surveillance, automated emergency detection and the monitoring of critical junctions are becoming increasingly efficient thanks to AI-based analysis. Public transport is also coming into focus: safety at stops, level crossings or at major events can only be reliably guaranteed through integration into ITS structures.

Regional focus

The Asia-Pacific region is considered a leader in the ITS market, driven by urbanisation, smart city projects and the widespread introduction of 5G. Europe and North America are placing greater emphasis on public-private partnerships in which security providers are an integral part of infrastructure projects. Securing autonomous vehicles and connected corridors plays a particularly important role. For providers, this means that regulatory requirements such as data protection, supply chain security and cyber compliance must be integrated into architecture and operations at an early stage.

Technological trends

Future ITS architectures will increasingly rely on edge AI, digital twins and open interfaces. Local sensor fusion reduces data volumes and enables rapid responses, but requires protection against manipulation. Digital twins allow simulations for disaster scenarios and evacuation plans. Open interfaces create space for innovation, but require consistent API security. Control centres are changing thanks to AI-supported triage, recommendations for action for emergency services and automated documentation.

New business models

The security industry can offer services beyond traditional hardware and software sales: managed security services for ITS networks, PKI operation for V2X or automated incident response systems. Outcome-based contracts link remuneration to measurable key figures such as response times or system availability. In addition, data-based services are emerging, such as anonymised threat information from traffic networks.

Reference architecture and governance

Security in ITS can be thought of in layers: hardened field devices, encrypted communication, zero-trust platforms and 24/7 operation form the backbone. This is complemented by governance and data protection measures. Supply chain security is crucial: manufacturers and operators must provide software bills of materials, roll out security updates in a timely manner and allow penetration testing.

Risks and recommendations for action

Fragmented responsibilities, isolated solutions and shadow IT make uniform security strategies difficult. This makes end-to-end concepts that integrate technology, organisation and law all the more important. Measurable metrics such as average detection and response times and certificate validity in V2X operations should be standard. Providers should prioritise critical use cases, deliver reference architectures, expand SOC services, consistently apply data protection principles and build partner ecosystems with telecommunications and cloud providers.

Practical examples: ITS in safety applications

1. Adaptive traffic control in Ann Arbor, USA

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, an intelligent traffic system has been implemented that uses real-time data from ground and camera sensors to dynamically adjust traffic light cycles. This adaptive control has reduced travel times by 12% on weekdays and 21% on weekends. The integration of connected vehicle technologies is currently being explored to further increase efficiency.

2. AI-assisted pedestrian and vehicle detection

Advantech relies on AI-based video surveillance to detect pedestrians and vehicles at intersections. This technology enables adaptive traffic light control to minimise waiting times and increase safety.

3. Protection of critical infrastructure with UVSS

Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) has implemented under-vehicle screening systems (UVSS) for the transit authorities in New York City, among other places. These systems help to secure public transport by detecting potential threats at an early stage.

4. Integration of ITS in smart cities

ITS solutions are being integrated in various cities around the world to improve traffic efficiency and safety. These systems combine data analysis, traffic management and safety functions to provide a holistic solution for urban mobility.

Final considerations

The integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems into the security infrastructure of urban areas offers considerable potential for improving efficiency, safety and resilience. By combining real-time data, AI-supported analysis and networked communication, cities can be made safer and more liveable. The practical examples mentioned above illustrate how ITS is already being used successfully in various areas.