ClearView smartens up traffic enforcement

Parking restrictions, bus lane use and road traffic contraventions are increasingly being enforced by local traffic authorities and parking enforcement agencies by the capture of compelling video evidence.

ClearView Communications has developed a range of Smart Cars, fitted with cameras and digital recorders, which meet the stringent requirements of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) for approved devices for civil traffic enforcement.

The cars are used to target known hotspots, road safety problems and congestion areas. They are intended to combat a wide range of road safety problems including bus lane and box junction infringement, school drop zone chaos, rat runs, as well as using mobile phones while driving.

Because the cars are distinctively marked, they provide a reminder to motorists not to take a chance by parking where they should not. This includes dangerous parking, particularly around schools, pedestrian crossings and at busy junctions, contraventions on yellow lines and vehicles contravening waiting and loading restrictions.

The Smart Cars improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic accidents and congestion. Their use results in a reduction in challenges to penalty charge notices (PCNs) and provides indisputable evidence that a contravention has occurred, and proof that the enforcement operation was carried out correctly and fairly. They also increase civil enforcement officer and parking attendant safety and make them feel safer because drivers know they could be picked up on camera if they act abusively.

Each car has a pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) camera mounted to a hydraulic periscope that extends up to 3m above roof level. Inside the cabin are a mini-joystick controller and mobile high-performance digital recorder. Images can be viewed and downloaded within the vehicle or the recorder can be removed quickly and easily for further interrogation.

To meet the VCA requirements, each recorded image contains data including time and date (as transmitted by the National Physical laboratory MSF transmitter), a unique frame identifier and the enforcement location coordinates. Video is recorded at D1, 25fps full frame rate. RAID1-mirrored hard disk configuration allows simultaneous recording onto independent disks.
Recordings are watermarked to protect them from unauthorised alteration or manipulation.

Ignition control power management, low power consumption and voltage monitoring ensures the CCTV system does not compromise vehicle battery life.

*Contact Andy Lockett, ClearView Communications Ltd, Robjohns Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3AG. Call 01245 214104; fax 01245 214101; email andy.lockett@clearview-communications.com; visit www.clearview-communications.com