Oxfordshire deploys Siemens traffic weight enforcement system
A new traffic enforcement system has been introduced by Trading Standards in Oxfordshire to help protect one of the oldest river crossings on the River Thames at Newbridge. Supplied and supported by leading traffic technology supplier Siemens, it’s the first time that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being used to enforce a road weight restriction in the county.
“Evidence downloaded from the cameras can be used to demonstrate that drivers have committed an offence, allowing the Trading Standards team to investigate with knowledge and a reliable witness of events, providing enforcement quality images of the vehicle in contravention during any time of the day or night, and in all weather conditions,” said Joe Moxham, UK Product Sales Manager at Siemens ITS.
Robust, tried and tested, Siemens‘ growing Civil and Criminal Enforcement portfolio is supported by the company’s expert engineering teams to serve the requirements of the UK market and continuously adapt through product developments to meet the specific needs of local authorities.
Councillor Judith Heathcoat, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “The County Council is committed to protecting this irreplaceable historic bridge and this technology allows us to do just that. We are responding to concerns from the local community and are alerting drivers of heavy vehicles so they can find other routes.”
The solution identifies traffic that exceeds the weight limit on the A415 between Abingdon and Witney, and can also maintain an enforcement schedule and permitted vehicle lists. The schedule will allow for selected enforcement periods required for other types of restriction, with the permitted vehicle lists identifying council vehicles that are permitted to use the route irrespective of their weight limit, such as refuse collection, emergency response or road maintenance vehicles.
In Newbridge, the cameras have been installed onto existing CCTV columns to minimise disruption and cost. The equipment uses 3G communications and only requires a power connection, aiding the installation and flexibility of camera deployment. Oxfordshire County Council has also added new road signs in the area to alert drivers to the weight restriction and enforcement activity.
Trading Standards officers are proactively monitoring the bridge and enforcing the weight limit. Vehicles exceeding 18 tonnes maximum gross weight using the bridge can be fined up to £1000.
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom more than 170 years ago and now employs 15,000 people in the UK. As the world’s largest engineering company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey
