Saving money and improving safety with safety-critical systems

Posted on 11 August 2010

In the modern world, a large proportion of our environment is supported by computer-based systems. From the braking control system in cars to online banking systems, our dependence on safe and secure computers and software will continue to grow.

Saving money and lives on the M42

Professor John McDermid, Head of the Department of Computer Science at York, leads the world’s largest academic research group studying the safety and security of computer-based systems. The group has worked extensively with industry and government and their work in translating technologies into industry was recognised by a Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

Techniques developed by Professor McDermid’s team were critical to the success of a recent Highways Agency project that allowed hard-shoulder running on the M42. This improved traffic flow, travel times and safety, with reports suggesting that lives have already been saved by the scheme. Road congestion is estimated to cost the UK £20 billion per year, and roll-out of this scheme across England’s motorways could give a multi-million pound benefit. More immediately, the M42 scheme has saved about £400 million in comparison with road‑widening.