Naturally the project also aims to improve traffic safety, reduce environmental impact and - thanks to smooth speed control - cut the risk of traffic tailbacks.

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In theory, drivers will then adjust their departure times and smooth out the flow of traffic through the day.

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The plans for the motorway near Sheffield include variable mandatory speed limits displayed on overhead and verge-mounted signs to smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion said the agency.

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The main issue is that it relies on drivers themselves sticking to the new limit to smooth traffic flow.

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Another fix is to smooth out the massive volatility in patient traffic.

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During its first tour of London's roads, one of the Fuel Cell Black Cabs excelled in rush-hour traffic, with smooth and responsive acceleration provided by the fuel cell and electric motors.

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The Jetpatcher does all this in one smooth operation, then moves on to the next pothole as traffic resumes its path over the newly repaired road.

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Usually smooth on the radio, I boot my first call to air traffic control.

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Other transport projects anticipated this year include work on a new Isle of Dogs Crossrail station, "intensification" of the work to extend the East London Line and a host of initiatives to help smooth traffic flow.

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With traffic and traffic lights there to confound smooth progress, putting a foot down when the road does finally open up is one of the few ways an urban driver can exert some control over a journey.

BBC: Traffic