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NAME AWLAS YAR

CMS ID 44463
INSTRUCTER PROF.NAWAZ ALI
DATE SUBMISSION
25/04/2018

User
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
 Vehicle Sensing: Ten Technologies to
Measure Traffic

There are a surprising number of ways available today to count vehicles, and it is interesting to see
how the technology has progressed and the options available.
- Video - Pneumatic Tubes - Piezoelectric - Inductive Loop - Magnetic - Acoustic - Passive
Infrared - Microwave

Video Vehicle Detection

Obviously manual counting is labor intensive. Systems are now available that will automatically
analyses the video pictures as cars are passing underneath, detecting cars with a similar accuracy
to that of people watching the video.
This vehicle counting method has several advantages over other automatic systems. It is cost-
effective as it can count in many directions at once: only one camera is needed for several lanes or
exits at a junction. It is easy to add or modify the zones through which vehicles are counted from an
office PC.
Local video analytics minimizes bandwidth use. Traffic counts are uploaded in real-time via the
internet, so traffic engineers can view live (down to 15 minute intervals for example) and historic
counts from their web browsers.
Counts are easily verified simply by watching the video and checking the automated counts.
Video traffic counting typically takes place continuously, year round, giving precise figures.
For more on video vehicle counting see the Retail Sensing site.

Passive Infrared
Passive infrared devices detect vehicles by measuring the infrared energy radiating from the
detection zone. When a vehicle passes the energy radiated changes and the count is increased.
Slow changes in road surface temperature, caused by changing weather conditions, are ignored.
Lane coverage is limited to one to two lanes.

Pneumatic Road tube counting

This has for many years been a popular method of vehicle sensing.
Here one or more rubber hoses are stretched across the road and connected at one end to a data
logger. The other end of the tube is sealed. When a pair of wheels hits the tube, air pressure in the
squashed tube activates the data logger which records the time of the event.
A pair of tubes can be stretched across several lanes of traffic. The data logger can establish vehicle
direction by recording which tube is crossed first. This has the drawback that if two vehicles cross
the tubes at the same time then the direction can't be accurately determined. Should two cars be
very close together when they cross the tubes, the system may see them as one multiaxle vehicle.
Vendors claim an accuracy of 99%. Studies show though, that the absolute error of a typical 15-
minute count averaged closer to ten percent. This suggests that the level of inaccuracy is being
masked by the positive and negative counting errors cancelling each other out.
The counts need to be physically downloaded onto a computer from the loggers at the roadside. At
least one road tube is needed for each direction on every road or junction at which you want to
count. Installation requires working within the traffic lane.
Road tubes work well for short duration counts on lower volume roads. They are not as effective on
higher volume, multi-lane highways.

Inductive Loop
An inductive loop is a square of wire embedded into or under the road. The loop utilizes the principle
that a magnetic field introduced near an electrical conductor causes an electrical current to be
induced. In the case of traffic monitoring, a large metal vehicle acts as the magnetic field and the
inductive loop as the electrical conductor. A device at the roadside records the signals generated.

Magnetic Sensor
This detects vehicles by measuring the change in the earth's magnetic field as the vehicles pass
over the detector.
The sensor is either buried in the road, or enclosed in a box by the side of the road.
If vehicles are following each other very closely, the magnetic detector may have difficulty
discriminating between them.

Acoustic detector
This detects vehicles by the sound created as the vehicle passes.
The sensor is mounted on a pole pointing down towards the traffic. It can collect counts for one or
more travel lanes.
Some can communicate their counts wireless.
Piezoelectric Sensor
Piezoelectric sensors collect data by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The
piezoelectric sensor is mounted in a groove cut into road's surface.
When a car drives over the piezoelectric sensor, it squeezes it and causes an electric potential - a
voltage signal. The size of the signal is proportional to the degree of deformation. When the car
moves off, the voltage reverses.
This change in voltage can be used to detect and count vehicles.
The counting device which is connected to the sensors is housed in an enclosure by the side of the
road. Data may be collected locally via an Ethernet or RS232 connection to a laptop, or may be
transmitted by modem.

Piezoelectric traffic counter by the side of the road

Doppler and Radar Microwave Sensors

Doppler microwave detection devices transmit a continuous signal of low-energy microwave
radiation at a target area and then analyze the reflected signal. The detector registers a change in
the frequency of waves occurring when the microwave source and the vehicle are in motion relative
to one another. This allows the device to detect moving vehicles.
Radar is capable of detecting distant objects and determining their position and speed of movement.
With vehicle detection, a device directs high frequency radio waves at the roadway to determine the
time delay of the return signal, thereby calculating the distance to the detected vehicle.
 Device for speed measurement

Speed Detection Devices

Systems used in the UK are generally type approved and require

regular calibration. You are likely to come across the following
types:
Autopatrol PR-100, Auto Vision, Calibrated Speedos, Digital
Camera, Gatso Speed Camera, Golden River, Hand-held
Radar, LTI 2020 Speed
Gun, Marram, Multanova, Muniquip,
ProViDa camera, Racal, Riegl, Robic stopwatch, SPECS
camera, Speedcheck (SVDD), Talivan, Tracker, Traffiphot
camera, Truevelo Camera, Vascar/Police Pilot

Cameras usually linked to radar or sensors in the road with a

back-up of lines in the road as a visual confirmation of the
distance travelled over time.

Laser speed detection systems which emit infrared light pulses

using a very narrow beam. The time taken for the beam to be
reflected is used to determine the distance to the object and a
number of timed readings are used to calculate the distance over
time (i.e. speed).
Radar systems using a combined transmitter and receiver. The
device transmits radio waves at a specific frequency. When the
waves are reflected back off moving objects this causes a change
in frequency which is detected by the receiver. The device then
calculates the speed as a result of the amount of change in
frequency.
The 3 main frequencies used are known as X, K & KA. Most
traps, such as the Gatso and most hand-held detectors, use the K
band. Older systems may use the X band, which has been around
since around the 1920's, is less reliable and gives rise to a lot of
false readings due to interference from other devices. The KA
band is used by some new radar guns.
Some modern systems use Pulse Radar which means that a
radar detector will not pick them up until they are actually reading
your vehicle.

Stopwatch systems may sound laughable, but are relied on more

and more due to the fact that they are very cheap. Put simply you
are timed over a set distance and the system then automatically
calculates your average speed. They are completely passive, so
unless you spot them visually you will never know they are there.

Video systems will either video everyone in view and then

automatically send out notifications to all speeding cars or can be
used to target specific vehicles. Again, these are passive so
cannot be detected electronically.
Please click on the relevant link below to gain specific information
relating to the speed camera, in car speed detection or radar
device used by the police in your case.

Autopatrol PR-100

This is a speed camera system coupled to radar. The system is

highly portable and can be mounted in a vehicle or on a tripod. It
uses a very narrow radar beam and will not work (so they say)
when more than 1 vehicle is within the beam. It has a digital
camera with telephoto lens and can either be attended or left
unattended (for example on a bridge). It has to be calibrated and
technical issues arise. For help obtaining the evidence and
assessing the case against you call us.

Auto Vision

This is a highly portable video-based system, linked to a

laser, that is usually used in an unmarked van or car. The system
is aimed at the front of passing vehicles and superimposes speed,
time and distance information on a video image. It is popular due
to its portability and the fact that it costs less than 1/3 of the price
of a Gatso.

Calibrated Speedometers

Speed can be measured using a calibrated speedometer and this

can be used in Court in support of a speeding offence. However
the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) gives clear
guidance on the manner in which this may be done. A police
officer must demonstrate that he has kept the target vehicle in line
of sight and maintained an even distance from the vehicle over no
less than 2/10 of a mile before he is able to attribute the speed to
your vehicle.
A calibrated speedometer is more accurate than the standard
speedometer fitted to a vehicle, so just because your vehicle said
a different speed will not work as a defence. Manufacturers are
allowed tolerances in accuracy of standard speedometers, which
is why a satellite navigation device will usually provide a different
speed reading for your vehicle.

Digital Camera

The camera is used to measure the average speed of every

vehicle over a given distance of about a mile. The images are
sent down phone lines to a central police camera where vehicle
identification technology is used before sending out automatic
notices to all the offending drivers. The cameras are portable, so
can be moved at regular intervals. The system is most likely to be
found added to the Gatso to create a super Gatso.

Gatso Speed Camera

The Gatso measures speed using radar technology and/or piezo

sensors in the road. The Home Office have given approval for
these devices to be used if there is independent corroboration
that can provide a secondary check of the accuracy of the speed
measured. This is usually done by line markings on the road.
Radar devices are known to produce inaccurate readings due to
interference from large vehicles, road furniture or any large
reflective surface that is close by at the time the speed is
measured. If an allegation of speed has been brought against you
contact our team of expert lawyers to be advised on the merit of
the police's case against you. You will be advised as to whether
there is a defence on which you can rely on in order to escape
punishment.
Gatso's are probably the most versatile of systems used by the
police and it is estimated that 70% of speed camera points come
from Gatso's. They can be fixed (taking a photo of the rear of a
passing vehicle), double sided (to catch vehicles in both
directions) or red light based. They generally take 2 photos,
providing visual back-up of their readings and new products with
induction loops in the road are being developed. Red light
cameras are also being adapted so that they act as speed
cameras when the lights are amber or green and are activated to
catch people running the lights once the lights go red.

Golden River Marksman 850

This is a CCTV system which runs constantly and was originally

developed to monitor traffic. The system focusses on number
plates, linked to number plate recognition software. The live feed
is transmitted to a control room, so visual checks can be
performed if you try to obscure your number plate.

Hand-held Radar

This is the most likely device used when a police officer steps out
in front of you or jumps up at the side of the road. The reading is
instant and they have a range of 500m. There are known
problems where more than one vehicle is in range at the same
time, as it may read the wrong vehicle or obtain a reflected
reading. Also, it is not supposed to be used in rain, snow or high
dust environments. If you are stopped by an officer using one of
these we recommend you contact us as soon as possible.

LTI 2020 Speed Gun

The LTI 2020 (along with the Prolaser and Riegl) is a hand-held
or tripod mounted laser speed gun regularly used by police
officers during planned road police enforcement. The LTI 2020
has been banned from use in some countries throughout Europe
and various states in the USA due to accuracy issues, however in
the UK the Home Office has given approval for its use in
capturing speeds. Inaccurate readings are obtained when
'panning' or 'slippage' occurs during the speed measurement
process. It is not authorized for use at distances over 1,000m, but
can detect that you are running a jammer device. If you deny
speeding and need help with assessing the police's case against
you then call our team of expert lawyers. We seek disclosure of
the evidence, assess it and advise you on any defense that you
may have.

Marom

This system is an automated traffic system using electro-optic and

infra-red technologies which can be used fixed, mobile or from
parked vehicles. It is lane-based, measuring the progress of
vehicles in a given lane of traffic. Parameters are set for speed,
distance between vehicles and acceleration. If you break pre-set
parameters, it is linked to digital cameras which take photos of
both the front and rear of your vehicle. The system works 24
hours a day and is not affected by weather or lighting conditions.
The date is stored on DAT, sent to a Data Processing Unit linked
to the DVLA and automatically processes notices to all offending
drivers. As it does not use radar most detectors will not pick it up.

Multan ova

This is a radar based system which can be pole or box mounted,

mobile or built in to a vehicle. They are mostly used as mobile
traps set up on bridges over Motorways or main roads. The
system takes a number of readings (usually 4 or above) of a
vehicle before taking a photo and can take 3 photos per
second. The units can be either front or rear facing and look like
small rocket launchers. They use a highly targeted radar beam,
which makes them almost invisible to most radar detectors.
Muniquip

This is a version of hand held radar (see above) using a "K-band"

frequency.

ProViDa

This is an in-car video camera. It can be placed to look forwards

or back, so tailing the police car at speed may not be sensible.
The video is usually played back to the driver at the roadside. If
they do not play it back, then there is a distinct possibility it was
not switched on or facing you at the time. Again, it must be
calibrated and if you intend to challenge a prosecution based on
this type of evidence you need expert assistance.

Racal

These are “Big Brother” surveillance cameras which can read

your number plate at any time of day and in any weather
conditions. They are primarily used to detect untaxed cars, but
with an ever expanding network they are being used to track and
log vehicle movements. Speeding tickets are then issued
automatically based upon the time taken to pass between
cameras.

Riegl

Riegl manufacture a number of speed detection devices, including

the LR90-235/P and FG21-P, which are authorised for use in the
UK. These devices are hand-held laser guns accurate up to
600m (LR90) or 1000m (FG21). The LR90 is claimed to be more
accurate, with a 1km/h accuracy rating as opposed to the FG21-P
rating of +/-3km/h up to 100km/h and +/-3% of measured value
over 100km/h

Robic Portable Speed Calculator

In essence this is a hand-held stopwatch activated manually to

record the time it takes a vehicle to travel a fixed distance. It then
immediately calculates the speed of the vehicle involved. It is
cheap (about £20) and is starting to be deployed to beat officers,
not just traffic officers. However, they have to be able to show the
distance was measured accurately for this offence to be
proven. We recommend you instruct us to raise the challenge
with the police.

SPECS

This is a speed camera system which takes a photo of the front of

your car. There is no flash and there is no film to run out, it is all
digital. The next camera you go by then calculates your average
speed between the two and the first you know about it is when the
NIP drops through the door. While it reads the number plate
digitally, if there is a problem then the picture is checked
manually. However it is front facing and cannot catch
motorcycles. It is very difficult to defeat this system and you need
expert assistance if you intend to try.
The system transmits registrations directly to the DVLA. It is a low
cost system of tracking registrations by the police and where
appropriate the nearest patrol car can be alerted via satellite
navigation. As the equipment is inexpensive and virtually
maintenance free it is likely to become more common.
Speed check (SVDD)

This stands for the Sure way Video Detection Device and works in
a similar fashion to a GATSO. The SVDD costs £120,000 each to
install and works by deploying cameras at either end of a
measured baseline which can be up to 500 metres long. It is able
to monitor vehicles 24hrs a day, with number plate recognition
ability built in. It records the time when you pass the first camera,
matches this to the time you pass the second camera and
calculates your average speed. A digital photo is taken of the
offending vehicle to prove the case in Court. The system is 99%
accurate, works in almost all weather conditions, records all
information digitally and is completely self-sufficient. Where
connected to the DVLA it can automatically process fines and
send out any notices in the post. As it does not have radar it is
impossible to detect electronically.

Talivan

This is a generic name for speed camera vans used by the police
or speed camera partnership. The livery of the vans varies and
they will often have amber, instead of blue, lights on top. They
may often be parked illegally at the side of the road and the speed
detection devices they use vary around the country. It has been
reported that certain areas are reducing the use of the Talivan,
although this is probably in favour of alternative speed detection
methods.
Tracker

This is an in-car system fitted to your own car to identify the

location of the car if it is stolen. The police use it to recover stolen
vehicles, but can also use the data to prove speeding
offences. However, they can only switch it on once a car is
reported as stolen. You are unlikely to be facing prosecution
based on this evidence, but if you are you definitely need legal
advice because it raises all manner of complicated human rights
arguments.

Traffiphot S Piezo

The Traffiphot works on strips laid into the road at known

distances apart. When the strips are compressed a reading is
taken. The system then uses the average time between
compressions to calculate the speed of the vehicle while a photo
is taken. The speed camera is operated in an unmanned mode,
so the evidence of speed must be corroborated from an
independent source. The authorities are required to prove that the
device is in current calibration, that the sensors are laid to
engineering standards and there is sufficient independent
evidence to prove that the speed was correctly measured. If you
have received a notice of intended prosecution for a speeding
offence that you dispute then we recommend you contact us to be
advised on the accuracy of the allegation and any options you
may have to avoid being punished for the offence.
Truevelo

The Truvelo DS2 speed camera uses 3 rubber hoses across the
carriageway, about 1m apart, with piezo sensors at one
end. They can be either permanent or temporary. Permanent
sites are harder to spot as the sensors are laid within the road.
The authorities are required to prove that the device is in current
calibration, that the sensors are laid to engineering standards and
there is sufficient independent evidence to prove that the speed
was correctly measured. The system is often linked to either the
Autovision (video) or Speedmaster (police hiding by the road)
systems, but they still have to show that there is independent
evidence to show the speed was accurately measured. If you
have received a notice of intended prosecution then we
recommend you call us for advice on how this can be challenged.

Vascar/Police Pilot

The Vascar and Police Pilot are in-car speed detection devices
used by police officers. They are manually controlled, usually
fitted in a patrol car and the machine can either be used to
measure time taken over a pre-determined distance or while
following you along the road. Both devices operate like stop
watches, however speeds are incorrectly measured when the
user miscalculates the distance over which the vehicle travelled or
the time in which it took a vehicle to travel between the switching
points. There are known inaccuracies attributable to the manner
in which operators use these devices, so it is the Association of
Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and not the Home Office that have
approved the Vascar and Police Pilot to measure speeds.