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Article published in Traffic
Technology International June/July 2003 issue |
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Save time, money and
resources on road networks Enormous resources can be saved by taking advantage of the newest roadside weather data collection technology available. Historically, there has been little implementation of weather stations along the roadside due to budget limitations or lack of knowledge. Initially one might believe that weather information would be a nice ‘extra’ but not critical, but by using a traffic management system that incorporates the effects of weather, accidents can be reduced, traffic flow increased, salting and sanding requirements optimised and time and money saved. There have been significant advances with sensors for determination of liquid, freezing or frozen precipitation, visibility, wind and other important roadside parameters. Present weather sensors have developed at an astonishing rate recently and are now capable of producing extremely accurate reports of all precipitation. Visibility sensors with reduced power requirements can run off solar power and switch road signs locally without any other infrastructure. Compact weather stations, including temperature and humidity, visibility, wind and present weather can be realised without requiring large amounts of money for purchase and installation and little or no funds needed for maintenance. Interestingly, the need for a proactive approach was demonstrated very effectively last winter when a storm hit the UK leaving motorists stranded for hours. The very opposite situation could have been possible if earlier planning and action had been taken leaving motorists with a feeling of security, safety and pride in the system. Tax payers are certainly more willing to fund road projects when they see the benefits. A proactive approach can work wonders to the agencies' image to road user safety. The efficient use of manpower and natural resources ultimately produces a happy customer that will spread the word about their trouble-free trips. With these factors it is hard to understand why anyone would wish not to take advantage of the weather sensor technology available today. Motorists planning journeys will certainly look to the quickest and safest route. Further, they can be confident that these areas will be environmentally friendlier, and any funding will be used only where and when needed. A final important advantage is that motorists who are aware of a difference will bring business to these areas and avoiding stretches where less thought has been paid to road safety, use of funding and environmental resources.
Link to VISIBILITY AND PRESENT WEATHER SENSORS
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