AGD traffic radar ideal for above-ground, non-intrusive, loop-replacing detection
As more local authorities aim to eradicate in-ground detection from their road networks, AGD Systems’ 318 Traffic Control Radar provides the intelligent solution they need.
Councils are seeking to cut the costs of installation, repair and ongoing maintenance of detection at junctions, and the new breed of above-ground radar provides a smart solution to wear-prone loops and magnetometers.
Says Ian Hind, commercial director at AGD Systems: “Staffordshire County Council recently used the AGD 318 Traffic Control Radar to replace speed detection loops at a busy junction, and the success of the solution has resulted in their decision to avoid in-ground detection wherever possible in the future. We believe it’s only a matter of time before others follow suit.”
Martin Fenlon, principal signals engineer at Staffordshire County Council, explains: “Because the road surface was in such poor condition where the loops would have been installed, the AGD 318 radar gave us an ideal, non-intrusive solution for detection. This option saves us a great deal of time and money because it is pole-mounted, easy to configure and maintenance-free.”
Developed from enforcement-grade technology, the AGD 318 provides accurate virtual loop detection with speed discrimination, and can emulate two inductive loops to a range of 150m or provide lane-specific detection up to 40m for a range of applications. Because it is pole-mounted, it requires no ducting or intrusive works to install, and there is no need for traffic management and the associated disruption to road users. Easy to set up using AGD Touch-setup, the AGD 318 is cheaper to maintain and the detection zone can easily be changed or moved without any intrusive works.
“The AGD 318 detects vehicle type based on range, size, speed and direction of travel, enabling green wave strategies in which bikes and buses can be prioritised over cars,” continues Ian Hind. “It is ideal in a huge range of applications, including MOVA, speed discrimination and single left or right turn. Using this technology can save councils many thousands of pounds while helping ensure optimal performance of roads, junctions and crossings.”
Martin Fenlon at Staffordshire County Council concludes: “Road surfaces are not being maintained as well as they once were, due to budget constraints, which can result in problems for intrusive detection solutions. And of course traffic management costs when you cut loops into the road are huge. Loop-free technology is the only way to go as far as we’re concerned.”
