Emergency Vehicle Preemption Tool Launches in Greenville

After two years of development, the City of Greenville launched a powerful new safety tool inside its Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP). Built into the city’s Traffic Management Center and funded through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond, EVP is designed to help fire engines, rescue trucks, and medical response units reach emergencies faster and more safely. 

EVP technology is now installed inside every city traffic signal cabinet, paired with companion units onboard Greenville City Fire Department apparatus. When an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection with its lights and sirens activated, the EVP device in the signal cabinet recognizes it and immediately transitions the light to green, clearing a path through traffic. 

“It gives traffic somewhere to go,” says Fire Chief Brian Horton. “A green light allows cars to clear the intersection and pull to the right, so our trucks don't have to pull into oncoming traffic.” 

Assistant City Engineer for Traffic Engineering Valerie Holmes emphasizes that the public should not notice prolonged disruption in typical driving patterns. Once the emergency vehicle passes, the signal will return to normal operation on its next cycle. “The technology operates seamlessly within our signal system,” Holmes said. 

Mayor Knox White calls the EVP rollout a critical part of Greenville’s commitment to public safety. “When our fire engines can get where they are going faster and without having to swerve around stopped cars, it speeds up response time and keeps everyone safer on the road. I'm excited to see the launch of this technology.” 

As EVP goes live citywide, Horton reminds drivers of one simple but essential rule: always pull to the right when you hear a fire engine approaching. Doing so — combined with the new EVP technology — helps ensure responders can reach those in need as quickly and safely as possible.