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London politicians voted decisively Tuesday to endorse an eagerly anticipated $4.4-million contract to begin work on a smarter traffic signal system to ease congestion.

Civic works committee unanimously backed replacing the aging synchronized light system in London, work that could begin this year if full council gives the green light next week.

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“The newer technology that’s available now will help us improve the traffic flow,” said Shane Maguire, city hall’s manager of roadway lighting and traffic control. “Our system . . . was very good for its time, but it has outlived its time.”

The current synchronization system – whose existence might come as a surprise to many Londoners – is 15 years old.

Micro-computers, called controllers, would be installed on all signals, along with closed-circuit cameras to help city hall monitor traffic in real time and adjust for collisions, weather, or other emergencies.