Seaham tech firm tackles road congestion with Waze app partnership

County Durham tech firm Lexicon Science is working to slash congestion on the region’s roads through a new partnership with navigation app Waze.

Seaham-based Lexicon will use information from Waze’s two million monthly UK users to model how changes to road design, traffic flow and smart navigation could improve movement around cities and enhance air quality.

Lexicon, a developer of technology using space data, artificial intelligence and augmented reality, will also use the data to develop systems for autonomous vehicles.

Brits on Waze spend an average of 14 hours each month using the app to avoid the busiest routes.

Lexicon Science is one of a number of organisations accessing Waze-generated data through the firm’s Connected Citizens Program (CCP) – an initiative to help city planners, transport authorities, charities and research groups tackle transportation challenges.

Others utilising the data through the CCP include Transport for London, Oxfordshire County Council and The Alan Turing Institute.

Lexicon Science chief exec Austen Atkinson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Waze to use its data in a new way.

“Our partnership will enable Waze and its loyal users’ data to contribute to the smart cities of the future, and improve the current situation for travellers and governments who are battling with legacy infrastructure designed for a different era.”

Austen continued: “By analysing the Waze data, corroborating from space-based data via AI, and delivering with 2D and augmented reality, we can revolutionise transport.

“Humankind has never had access to data of this kind before and by going back to first principles and looking at things in a totally new and informed way, we can help improve the quality of life for everyone. So, we’re delighted that Waze has chosen us as its newest data partner.”

Waze’s global business development manager, Thais Blumenthal de Moraes, commented: “We are actively seeking routes that will help to reduce the number of cars on the road and the amount of pollution being created.

“The team at Lexicon Science is involved with a number of highly promising projects where Waze data will make a key difference.”

Brian Archer, managing director of economic development organisation Business Durham, said: “This collaboration between Lexicon Science and Waze is a great example of how data can be used to improve the quality of life in communities at a local, national and international level.

“It is exactly the kind of project we actively encourage companies in the North East to get involved with, harnessing the culture of innovation in the region to forge links with influential organisations to tackle problems facing society.”

Lexicon is headquartered on Spectrum Business Park.

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