What is Traffic?
The flow of cars, people, and goods on roadways is referred to as traffic, and it is
essential to transportation planning. Designing and maintaining roads and control
systems to guarantee safe and effective transport is the main goal of the civil
engineering field of traffic engineering. The primary objectives are traffic monitoring,
traffic problem identification, and data collection by offsite (e.g., GPS, applications) and
onsite (e.g., cameras, sensors) approaches. This information aids in the development of
focused solutions, such as adjustments to signal timing or road upgrades. To guarantee
the best possible traffic management, solutions are then assessed according to their
cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficiency.
Various Traffic Control and Monitoring Equipment and Devices
To regulate and control the ongoing traffic, it is essential to use various devices
and equipment. Not only that it makes traffic management effective, but it also keeps
the safety of the road users, and most importantly, this will keep the efficiency to the
flow of the goods and services.
I. Road Signs
Road signs, sometimes referred to as traffic signs, are uniform visual aids
positioned beside roads to convey crucial information to all users of the road,
including cyclists, pedestrians, and automobiles. Even at rapid rates, they
communicate clearly and swiftly by combining words, symbols, colors, and
shapes. Road signs are primarily used to control traffic, maintain safety, and offer
direction. They can be broadly divided into three categories: warning signs, which
warn of potential hazards like sharp curves or pedestrian crossings; regulatory
signs, which notify users of traffic laws like speed limits and stopping rules; and
informational signs, which provide directions, distances, and the locations of
services like gas stations or hospitals.
Certain signs also have a prohibitory purpose; they warn of prohibited
behaviors, such as parking and U-turns. Road signs are crucial for preserving a
smooth and orderly traffic flow and lowering the likelihood of collisions. In order to
maintain uniformity and comprehensibility across regions, their design and
implementation are usually overseen by national transportation agencies and
frequently conform to international standards, such as those specified in the
Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.
In the Philippines, various road signs are issued by the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The signs are grouped into three
components: Regulatory Sign (A), Warning Sign (B) , and Informative Sign (C).
The following signs are to be followed in order to keep the safety and peace on
the road.
A. Regulatory Sign
As per the Land Transportation Office, Regulatory signs are signs
that inform various road users of the traffic laws and regulations. These
are the signs that the drivers should strictly follow. Aligned with the law,
these types of signs are mandatory that if disregarded, would result in an
offense. The images below are some of the regulatory signs that can be
seen in the Philippines.
Aside from the signs, various republic acts regarding the traffic are
implemented in the Philippines. One example is the Republic Act No. 8750
also known as the seat belts use act of 1999. This requires the driver and
all the passengers to wear seatbelts, this law also prohibits children from
sitting beside the driver or in the front seat.
B. Warning Signs
Going forward, warning signs inform drivers in advance of
possible dangers or modifications to the road conditions. Because they
warn drivers to be ready for hazards like abrupt curves, pedestrian
crossings, merging traffic, and animal crossings, these signs are essential
for maintaining safety. When a warning sign appears, drivers should be
prepared to take the appropriate action, such as slowing down, changing
lanes, or stopping completely if necessary. By paying attention to these
indicators, drivers can react quickly and avoid collisions, making the trip
safer and more enjoyable for all.
Because they notify drivers of impending dangers or modifications
to the road's state, warning signs are essential to road safety in the
Philippines. In accordance with the guidelines established by the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), these signs are
usually diamond-shaped and yellow. Roads in the Philippines frequently
include a variety of warning signs. Road condition warning signs alert
drivers to possible surface problems such loose gravel, dips, bumps,
rough or uneven terrain, and slippery roadways. Horizontal alignment
signs alert drivers of changes in the road's course, such as hairpin bends,
winding roads, sharp curves, and reverse curves. Drivers are alerted of
impending intersections such as roundabouts, T-junctions, Y-junctions,
side roads, and crossroads via intersection and junction warning signs.
Warning signs from traffic control devices give drivers advance
notice of impending yield signs, stop signs, and traffic signals. Particularly
crucial are pedestrian and animal warning signs that mark child crossing
zones, pedestrian crossings, and even animal crossings like cattle or
carabaos in rural or school-area settings. Additionally, whether or not there
are barriers, railway crossing warning signs notify drivers of impending
train lines. Steep ascents or descents are indicated by hill and grade
signs, which call for careful speed management. Last but not least, there
are several warning signs that address particular dangers including flood
zones, landslide-prone places, tunnels, thin bridges, and falling boulders.
In order to maintain safe and knowledgeable driving across the nation's
diverse terrains and surroundings, these warning signs are crucial.
C. Guide/Informative Signs
These type of signs give information about certain names
and locations of places and essential services for the drivers. Some of
which include the name of the road, distance to specific place, location of
specific services and tourist information.
II. Traffic Lights
This equipment is commonly seen on the road, particularly in some intersections.
Because the main purpose of this equipment is to control the flow of traffic by
letting one road pass through in a period of time. The green light is a sign for the
vehicles to pass through, the amber light signals the drivers to prepare and slow
down as it would go down the red light that signifies the drivers to stop.
III. Speed Control Measures
To lower speeds on a road with higher than acceptable speeds,
transportation professionals might use technical solutions and countermeasures,
commonly known as traffic calming. More generally, engineering techniques and
countermeasures can be applied to alter road behavior and make it safer. A
strategy is a plan or program that aims to increase awareness of many safety
factors that may affect driving at the safest speed, such as speed, road context,
and multiple road users. Intentionally changing the road or the environment
around it to influence how drivers behave is known as a countermeasure.
C.1 Manual Enforcement
To lower speeds on a road with higher than acceptable speeds,
transportation professionals might use technical solutions and countermeasures,
commonly known as traffic calming. More generally, engineering techniques and
countermeasures can be applied to alter road behavior and make it safer. A
strategy is a plan or program that aims to increase awareness of many safety
factors that may affect driving at the safest speed, such as speed, road context,
and multiple road users. Intentionally changing the road or the environment
around it to influence how drivers behave is known as a countermeasure.
C.2 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)
Automated speed cameras, which use radar to record a vehicle's
speed and a camera to record the vehicle when the threshold speed is
exceeded, are another way to enforce speed limits. Following the alleged
infraction, violation notices are sent to the registered owners of the identified
cars, and violation evidence is processed and assessed in an office setting.
When deciding where and how to use automated speed enforcement,
transportation experts should consult with law enforcement experts.
Speed-on-green ASE, semi-fixed and mobile ASE units are mounted to housing,
a vehicle, or a trailer to enable mobile enforcement as necessary, such as in
construction zones; and fixed ASE devices are permanently installed in fixed
places, such as school zones.
IV. Variable Message Signs
giving drivers crucial information on trip schedules, weather alerts, and
traffic conditions. A crucial part of contemporary transportation networks are
variable message signs, or VMS. These electronic signs, sometimes referred to
as "dynamic message signs," give drivers up-to-date information about weather,
traffic jams, road conditions, and other important details. Because it allows
transportation officials to react swiftly and effectively to changing situations, VMS
is therefore an essential part of successful traffic management. Electronic signs
known as variable message signs (VMS) provide drivers with real-time message
displays. They are a useful tool for rapidly giving drivers information because
they can display text, symbols, and images. On highways, toll roads, bridges,
tunnels, and other significant thoroughfares, VMS signs are frequently utilized.
Applications for variable message signs are numerous and include public
transportation, emergency response, and traffic control. On highways, they are
frequently used to show information about risks, construction, and traffic
conditions. Additionally, they are employed in disaster management to alert
drivers of evacuation routes and other emergency protocols. Arrival and
departure times, delays, and other service-related information are displayed on
VMS signs in public transit.
V. Video Surveillance
Traffic surveillance cameras play a crucial role in modern traffic
management. These devices enhance road safety by monitoring and recording
traffic activities. Effective traffic management ensures smoother traffic flow and
reduces accidents. Traffic surveillance cameras serve as a deterrent to
dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding and running red lights. The
purpose of this blog is to explore the key advantages of traffic surveillance
cameras.
These days, traffic surveillance cameras are essential instruments for
managing traffic. These gadgets keep an eye on and document traffic patterns,
supplying useful information for a range of uses. Pelco Traffic Monitoring
Cameras improve situational awareness with its high-definition footage and
sophisticated features. Proactive monitoring and actionable insights are made
possible by the integration of analytics driven by AI. For critics and supporters
alike, algorithmic oversight of CCTV footage offers a glimpse of the security
systems of the future, where there is simply too much surveillance footage for
human operators to physically watch. “The software is an extension of the
police,” says Noémie Levain, a member of the activist group La Quadrature du
Net, which opposes AI surveillance. “It's the eyes of the police multiplied.”
Recently, the Olympics were held in Paris, catering to international
tourists. The use of AI induced surveillance cameras enable them to monitor the
surge of traffic. Near the entrance of the Porte de Pantin metro station,
surveillance cameras are bolted to the ceiling, encased in an easily-overlooked
gray metal box. A small sign is pinned to the wall above the bin, informing
anyone willing to stop and read that they are part of an “video surveillance
analysis experiment.” The company which runs the Paris metro RATP “is likely”
to use “automated analysis in real time” of the CCTV images “in which you can
appear,” the sign explains to the oblivious passengers rushing past. The
experiment, it says, runs until March 2025.
“What we're doing is transforming CCTV cameras into a powerful
monitoring tool,” says Matthias Houllier, cofounder of Wintics, one of four French
companies that won contracts to have their algorithms deployed at the Olympics.
“With thousands of cameras, it's impossible for police officers [to react to every
camera].”
VI. Road Sensors
Road sensors are a collective term for a range of sensors that monitor road
surface conditions, weather conditions, noise levels and vehicle information.
They are usually installed on both sides of the road to monitor and collect
real-time information such as water or ice on the road, visibility in foggy weather
and so on. This data is uploaded to the traffic management department, alerting
staff to clean up and repair in a timely manner to ensure the safety of vehicle
movement.
A. Road sensors for weather monitoring
1. Temperature sensor
The temperature sensor can monitor the temperature of the
road surface and the current environment to determine whether the
road surface is icy or not. Temperature sensors for roads use
infrared non-contact measurement, a remote sensing technology
that does not damage the road surface. Infrared temperature
sensor is the best choice where buried temperature sensor cannot
be installed. Its installation process does not require road closure or
cutting the road surface, which is both safe and convenient. It can
be installed either on an existing weather station or on another
building with an unobstructed view of the roadway.
2. Snow depth sensor
The snow depth sensor can monitor the real-time depth of
snow on the road in snowfall weather, and facilitate the traffic
management department to publish timely information on road
conditions. Commonly used snow depth sensors have two kinds of
laser measurement and ultrasonic measurement. Choose the laser
distance measurement technology, through the temperature
compensation to solve the temperature stability of the laser, the
measurement accuracy is higher and good stability. Choose
ultrasonic measurement technology, the measurement process of
anti-interference ability is strong, fast response speed.
3. Visibility sensor
In foggy weather, the visibility sensor can provide real-time
data, which can help the traffic management department to make a
judgment on whether it is necessary to temporarily block certain
roads with extremely low visibility. Because foggy weather on the
road is prone to continuous tailgating accidents. The snow depth
sensor adopts the 35° forward scattering principle, which can
provide continuous and uninterrupted road surface information.
4. Rain gauge
The rain gauge is mainly used to measure the rainfall near
the road, according to the real-time rainfall and total rainfall data to
determine whether there is water on the road. In the fall and winter
seasons, with the temperature sensor data, can determine whether
the road surface ice phenomenon. Usually the rain gauge used for
road monitoring is a tipping bucket rain gauge, installed on the
weather station to provide accurate and reliable rainfall remotely.
5. Wind speed and direction sensor
Wind speed and direction are also elements used to
measure traffic safety. There are two types of wind speed and
direction sensors commonly used on traffic weather stations:
mechanical wind sensors and ultrasonic wind speed and direction
sensors. Mechanical wind sensors are stand-alone detection units
that can be used in conjunction with each other or individually to
measure wind speed or direction. The ultrasonic wind sensor is a
one-piece structure, easy to install and accurate measurement.
B. Road sensors for monitoring road surfaces
1. Friction sensor
Friction sensors are devices installed on the road surface to
monitor whether the road surface is slippery or icy. There are three
main types: infrared, resistive and liquid film. A car can drive over
friction sensor without damaging it. In rainy and snowy weather,
friction sensors can provide real-time road surface information for
traffic management departments. It protects driving safety and
reduces traffic accidents.
2. Waterlogging sensor
Installing a waterlogging detection station on roads with low
terrain can help staff to clear road water in time to ensure traffic
safety. Waterlogging sensor mainly has ultrasonic and radar two
kinds of non-contact measurement principle. Ultrasonic
waterlogging sensors are more widely used because they are
installed in the ground and do not affect the traffic on the road.
C. Road sensors for monitoring vehicles
1. Radar sensor
In addition to the safety of the road environment, it is
important to ensure that the speed of vehicles on the road complies
with the law, thereby reducing traffic accidents caused by speeding.
Radar sensors are installed alongside roads to detect the location,
speed and number of vehicles. Not only can remind drivers to
regulate driving, but also help traffic management departments to
control the traffic flow, thus enhancing the road usage rate.
2. Weight sensor
Weight sensors are mainly used to limit the passage of large
vehicles, to avoid damage or even collapse of the road surface due
to overloading. Weight sensors in the setting of prohibited values,
taking into account the carrying capacity of the road surface, road
conditions and traffic flow and other factors. Weight sensors can be
categorized into dynamic and static types.
D. Advantages of Road Sensors
1. Data Sharing
The data monitored by road sensors is uploaded to the traffic
management platform through the Internet of Things, and then
shared by the traffic management department to individual drivers
in real time. The communication between vehicles is effectively
realized. On the one hand, it can help drivers choose the optimal
driving route, and on the other hand, it can avoid the occurrence of
large-scale traffic accidents.
2. Road planning
Road sensors installed in different sections of the road,
real-time collection and transmission of traffic information, to
provide accurate data for the traffic management department. The
data can be used to analyze information such as traffic flow and
vehicle density, thus helping the traffic management department to
carry out reasonable road planning. Through the degree of traffic
congestion shown in the data to adjust the signal time, guide traffic
and improve traffic efficiency.
3. Ensure safety
Road sensors can provide real-time data on the road surface
and the current regional weather. For roads that are damaged or in
poor driving conditions, notify nearby drivers in a timely manner. At
the same time, the alarm information will be sent to the traffic
management department for timely repair or temporary closure. Do
our best to minimize vehicle and personnel casualties.
