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Traffic
and Road Environments
Traffic cameras
are an innovative and extremely functional use of video surveillance technology.
You've seen their footage during traffic reports on the TV news. They're atop
traffic signals and placed along busy roads, and at busy intersections of the
highway. Whether they're recording traffic patterns for future study and observation
or monitoring traffic and issuing tickets for moving violations, traffic cameras
are an explosively popular form of video surveillance.
Advantages of
Traffic Surveillance Cameras
- Aid
commuters - Traffic cameras placed at common congestion points on
highways, freeways, interstates and major arteries often share feeds with
news outlets - both radio and TV, which in turn pass them onto commuters in
the form of traffic reports. Normally, traffic flows do not vary much from
day to day, but in the event of a severe accident or road closure, a traffic
alert can be extremely valuable for a time-crunched commuter.
- Valuable
data - Traffic cameras that simply monitor car flows on roads and
major arteries are often maintained by state departments of transportation.
Along with monitoring the roads for accidents or major closures, footage from
traffic cameras is influential in decisions regarding future road development
and construction.
- Enforce
laws - Cameras used to enforce speed and red light laws are effective
in catching moving violations and issuing tickets.
- Encourage
safe driving - Visible surveillance cameras posted at intersections
can encourage safe driving habits and discourage moving violations.
Risksy Aspects
of Traffic Security Cameras
- Weather
- Whether they're monitoring intersections or looking out for traffic
jams, traffic cameras are subject to damage caused by weather. Heat, wind,
rain, snow and ice can all damage or ruin a traffic security camera.
- Accidents
- Since they're placed on busy roads and intersections, there is
also a chance that accidents could damage traffic cameras.
Configuration
Considerations for Roadway Cameras
Traffic monitoring
cameras and red light or speed cameras have different purposes and therefore
desrve seperate consideration when installing. Consider the following when looking
to install traffic monitoring or red light cameras
For traffic surveillance
cameras:
- What are the
major roadways in your area?
- At what time
is traffic in your area the heaviest (aka "Rush Hour")?
- Are there certain
features in roadways where traffic naturally congests?
For speed and
red light cameras:
- Are there any
particular intersections in your area where accidents and violations are common?
- Are moving
violations a particular problem in your area?
Setup Advice
for Traffic Surveillance Cameras
For speed and
red light cameras:
- When installing
cameras, make sure that all areas of the intersection are covered. Usually,
cameras are placed above the signals or mounted on each corner of the intersection
- Consider installing
a flash or other light source for night recording
- Consult with
local law enforcement to find the most troublesome intersections
- Make sure your
cameras are placed and calibrated to record the license plate data off of
violating cars.
- To protect
cameras against the elements, place them in environment-controlled housings.
For road surveillance
and monitoring cameras:
- Place cameras
so they overlook common congestion areas
- Make sure cameras
have adequate visibility and a good view of all lanes involved
- Temperature
and humidity controlled camera housings can help protect the camera against
weather.
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