CCTV

Radar trials on motorways

by Mark Rowe

Radar-based Automatic Incident Detection (AID) is having trials on hard shoulder running on motorways in the north of England. The trials of the ClearWay product are part of an all-lane-running ‘Smart Motorways’ scheme.

For initial trials, Navtech Radar has supplied ten TS350-X Radars and the Witness analytical software. Each TS350-X offers 360 degree scanning within a radius of up to 500 metres and can the firm says detect an individual walking on the hard shoulder or debris in the road, as well as slowing or stationary vehicles. The solution is claimed to not be affected by adverse weather and has the makers say a low false alarm rate – typically one per kilometre per 24 hours.

Dr Stephen Clark, pictured, Technical Director of Navtech Radar, says: “Evidence of the benefits of Smart Motorway schemes already exists. Analysis of the data gathered from the M42 motorway shows that journey reliability improved by 22 per cent since it opened in 2006. The recent Smart Motorway schemes include traffic management using Variable Messaging Signs (VMS). These schemes have been shown to be safer than traditional motorways and the purpose of the trial is to show that when used in combination with the instant detection capability of AID, remaining risks can be further reduced, cost effectively.”

“Early detection of stopped vehicles is crucial at night or any other time when visibility is impaired, such as fog, when an immobile vehicle can create problems and greatly increase the risk of accidents. AID is very useful when the road is congested, but is even more valuable at times of low density traffic when most vehicles are moving quickly. As many motorways are no longer illuminated after midnight, other drivers may not see a stationary vehicle before it’s too late.”

For the trials, the radars will be mounted on existing gantries and will continuously monitor the selected stretches for incidents. Any alarms will be transmitted to the Regional Control Centre. Operators will evaluate the incident and, if necessary, alert relevant emergency services. They will also use the VMS signs to alert drivers to the possible danger and slow traffic.

Over the past five years, Navtech’s ClearWay Automatic Incident Detection (AID) solution has been in use in a variety of traffic management applications in the UK and abroad. After pilot installations for the hard shoulder running initiative on the M42 motorway near Birmingham, ClearWay was chosen for the 1.8km (1.1 mile) Hindhead Tunnel, on the A3 in Surrey. With six radars in each of its twin bores, the tunnel is a part of the 6.5 km (4 mile) stretch of new road that completes the dual carriageway between London and Portsmouth. A total of 104 miles of motorway in England, 6pc of the network, has been designated for all-lane-running over the next two years. Visit www.navtechradar.com.

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