This paper shows the application of the classic technique of digital signal processing (DSP), the cross-correlation, used for the detection of acoustic signatures of road traffic in Cali city, Colombia. Future goal is to build a detection software that through real time measures allows us estimate the levels of acoustic pollution in the city by using simulation models of road traffic, in the framework of environmentally-friendly smart cities. Final results of the experimental tests showed an accuracy of 71.43% for specific vehicle detection.