That might be on the cards if a patent applied for in the US results in a computer system that would have the traffic lights 'manage' engines stopped in the queue at a red.
The system would stop the cars' engines, and restart them in sequence at what it judges to be the optimum time for each in order to move on efficiently and save fuel while stopped.
The patent has been applied for by IBM on behalf of four inventors from India, one of whom lives in Florida.
The idea is based on the concept of 'networked' vehicles, a matter that is attracting an increasing interest among manufacturers of motor vehicle communications systems.
For anyone interested, the actual patent application can be read here.
