Aarhus: Open real-time traffic data reveals changes during social distancing

Denmark has been partially shut down in recent weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Open data from Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, show that traffic has been halved during this period of social distancing.The data has revealed that there is no longer the normal rush-hour traffic, and there is next to no difference between Monday morning and Sunday evening.

The open real-time traffic data from Aarhus can be found at the platform of Open Data DK, an association of Danish municipalities and regions working together to open their data since 2016. By collaborating, the partners wish to make it easier for municipalities and regions to start working with open data and jointly to focus on areas such as licensing and standards.

The purpose of opening public data is to create transparency in public administration, create a foundation for data-driven growth and innovation, and to ensure a higher extent of utilization of the data that is already collected. The results from the open real-time data can inspire actions reducing traffic after the crisis. The City of Aarhus encourages everyone who could have an interest in their open data to experiment with them and share their results. Access the real-time traffic data here.

You can read the full article (in Danish) here.