Greenville Implements New Safety Technology
The City of Greenville has introduced a new safety tool, Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP), following two years of development. This technology is integrated into the city’s Traffic Management Center and received funding through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond.
EVP technology has been installed in every city traffic signal cabinet and is paired with units on Greenville City Fire Department apparatus. When an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection with its lights and sirens activated, the EVP device recognizes it and changes the traffic light to green, clearing a path through traffic.
Fire Chief Brian Horton explained that a green light allows cars to clear the intersection and pull to the right, which prevents fire trucks from needing to pull into oncoming traffic. Mayor Knox White stated that this technology contributes to faster response times and safer roads, as fire engines can reach their destinations more quickly without navigating around stopped cars. Mayor White considers the EVP rollout a critical part of Greenville’s commitment to public safety.
Assistant City Engineer for Traffic Engineering Valerie Holmes noted that the public should not experience prolonged disruptions in typical driving patterns. Chief Horton reminded drivers to always pull to the right when they hear a fire engine approaching.
