Traffic enforcement specialist Jenoptik has developed a series of enhancements to its temporary speed camera enforcement product, which it says allows more sites can be monitored through ‘an innovative, environmentally friendly power solution’.
In the last 20 years, Jenoptik has delivered 500 Temporary Automated Speed Cameras At Roadworks (TASCAR) schemes, which use its SPECS average speed cameras and VECTOR infra-red lighting system.
Until now these solutions have required connection to the power grid or the use of diesel generators, but the firm said that iTASCAR (the i stands for intelligent) uses renewable and zero carbon power only. This is delivered through a combination of wind, solar and hydrogen power, which allows schemes to be set up at sites where there is no mains power and where air quality is particularly important.
Jenoptik said iTASCAR is designed to be extremely energy efficient through the innovative design of both the VECTOR camera and the VECTOR infra-red lights, which are only activated when the camera’s shutter is used, rather than flooding the scene with light all the time.
This reduced power draw means the system can be fully operational around the clock, even through winter where other renewable energy-powered systems only work during daylight and fair weather.
Jenoptik said the environmental benefits of the product are further enhanced by the co-location of Airly air quality monitoring sensors, which are mounted to the camera columns to provide 24/7 monitoring throughout the roadworks site.
This allows contractors and highway authorities to understand the prevailing air quality conditions and provides data that can aid intelligent decisions around certain construction activities – for example where particulates might be produced during construction.
Jenoptik said the new approach has been successfully used at a number of UK sites, including the A11 Concrete Roads Replacement scheme, where power was not easily available and air quality was of particular importance.
Bob Feurtado, senior traffic manager at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said: ‘The technology has performed really well and the fuel cell arrangements have proved very successful.
‘The air quality monitoring provides useful data and Jenoptik have worked collaboratively with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and our stakeholders.’
