Skip to main content

Smoothing intersection flow in the Netherlands

Flir's ThermiCam thermal sensors have been installed at a major signalised intersection with the Utrechtseweg (N237) and Wilhelminalaan in Utrecht in the Netherlands In a bid to smooth traffic flows while also taking account of the presence of cyclists. ThermiCam is an integrated thermal camera and detector for vehicle and cycle presence detection and counting at signalised intersections and provides an alternative to in-road loops. The sensor detects heat energy generated by cyclists and motorists and
December 9, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
6778 Flir's ThermiCam thermal sensors have been installed at a major signalised intersection with the Utrechtseweg (N237) and Wilhelminalaan in Utrecht in the Netherlands In a bid to smooth traffic flows while also taking account of the presence of cyclists.  

ThermiCam is an integrated thermal camera and detector for vehicle and cycle presence detection and counting at signalised intersections and provides an alternative to in-road loops. The sensor detects heat energy generated by cyclists and motorists and uses this to make a distinction between the two and transmits the information over contact closures or IP to the traffic signal controller to allow green times to be dynamically controlled based on the type of road user.

ThermiCam detects cyclists and vehicles in all light conditions, regardless of whether traffic is moving or stationary.  The sensor can also be used to count cyclists, even when they are riding in group.

“For this specific project, we needed a solution that was able to efficiently detect bicyclists and neglect motorists at the same time,” says Guus Sluijsmans, traffic engineer and account manager sales at 6999 Imtech Traffic & Infra, which installed the sensors. “The ThermiCam sensor from Flir Systems is the only solution I know that can efficiently make a distinction between bicyclists and motorists on the same traffic lane.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Monitoring, detection and control systems inside tunnels can do much to improve traveller safety
    August 6, 2013
    ITS technology can do a great deal to improve tunnel safety, as Colin Sowman discovers. It was back in April 2004 that the European Parliament adopted the EU Directive which lays down the Minimum Safety Requirements for Tunnels in the Trans-European Road Network (2004/54/EC). This was the first unitary legislation setting minimum safety standards for European road tunnels and was designed to harmonise the management of tunnel safety at a national level. Operators of existing tunnels have until 30 April 201
  • 3D detection innovation
    February 3, 2012
    Canadian company Leddar Tech has announced what it says is the industry's first and only optical detection and ranging product based on the time-of-flight principle. The company says the patent-pending solution provides unique advantages and benefits for optimising traffic management.
  • Fotech Solutions performs acoustic track
    July 14, 2020
    Harnessing distributed acoustic sensing technology across urbanised city transport networks can deliver real advantages for traffic flow, says Stuart Large of Fotech Solutions
  • ITS needs data highways
    November 18, 2014
    Transport and traffic data is on the increase but there must be an integrated data highway to derive the maximum ITS benefits, argues Deutsche Telekom. From public transport operators recording increasingly precise and comprehensive data on their vehicle’s position and driving behaviour to local authorities using RFID and video systems to control traffic on their streets and highways, the amount of traffic data is growing rapidly.