Golden River - Trouble free traffic light control in Blackburn
Location
UK, Blackburn
Application
Traffic light control
Products
M100 Wireless Vehicle Detection system
The problem
Traditional inductive loops, whilst reliable in themselves, are vulnerable to unexpected failure caused by road degradation and utilities streetworks; digging up and cutting through loop tails. This can be a problem, particularly where loops are used as part of traffic light control systems and consistent operation is vital to ensure the safe and congestion free running of the road.
Capita Symonds working on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has been regularly faced with these issues when using traditional inductive loops and so are delighted with the opportunity to install a new alternative technology presented by Golden River Traffic.
The solution
The M100 Wireless Vehicle Detection System which has full UK type approval has been installed at three sites in Blackburn. The system uses small magnetometer sensors in the middle of the carriageway in place of traditional loops. This small, independent unit which has an expected life of ten years, communicates via wireless technology to an access point sited on a nearby pole. This then works via an M120 contact closure card to inform the traffic light controller that vehicles are present.
Installation of the M100 system is quicker and more cost effective than loops providing significant cost savings of over 35% on a typical signalized junction. As a result of greater reliability and reduced replacement costs this is further increased to over 45% when compared over a ten year life.
Benefits
- Reduced installation costs
- Ease of system installation, no loop cutting or trenching required
- More cost effective than traditional inductive loops
- Increased reliability compared to inductive loops
- Easy configuration using Traffic Dot (Java Application)
Testimonial
Ian Richardson, Capita Symonds' Director also commented on the benefits in terms of installation costs and ongoing efficiency: "By implementing the M100 wireless vehicle detection system at three major sites we have reduced installation costs by £60,000 and will continue to create efficiency savings through reduced replacement and maintenance costs.”
Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, Blackburn with Darwen Council welcomed the innovative technology: "Keeping traffic flowing is important for businesses, commuters and air quality. This is cost effective technology which is easy to install and reliable and provides a real benefit to motorists."
Chris Pearson from Capita Symonds in Blackburn commented how they value the long term cost savings and ease of use of contact card. "The M00 Wireless Vehicle Detection System is now standard for new installations and for major modifications".