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

  • TEXpress adds reversible managed lanes
    April 19, 2017
    Land availability restrictions and tidal traffic flows have led to the implementation of a novel managed lane configuration in Texas, as Colin Sowman finds out. Dealing with traffic congestion related to the ‘tidal flows’ caused by large numbers of commuters making their way into major business hubs in the morning and returning to the suburbs in the evening, has seen the widespread use of adaptive signal timing and even reversible lanes.
  • Bosch reveals VaaS solutions for intelligent intersections
    November 17, 2020
    On-street parking near intersections, and along corridors, and storefronts in close proximity to roadways, can obstruct views of pedestrians. Combine these factors with the increase in distracted pedestrians, and it is clear why strategies to make such vulnerable road users more visible to motorists are essential to the safety of intersections and pedestrian crossings.
  • Communications hold key to expanding ITS wireless network expansion
    December 21, 2017
    Wireless transmission of data and control information is making smarter traffic management easier and cheaper to install. It has long been known that connectivity is the key to improving traffic management and many cost-benefit studies prove that investment in new technology can be justified in terms of reduced congestion, shorter travel times, improved safety and air quality. However, many authorities’ cap-ex budgets only cover urgent matters, not improvements, making it difficult, if not impossible to
  • The importance of going with the flow
    April 6, 2018
    Ensuring worker safety and up-to-date driver information is crucial to ensure that roadworks are not a source of danger and delay. Andrew Williams looks at a scheme on the A14 in Cambridgeshire, UK. In recent years, portable workzone ITS solutions have emerged as important tools in the management of major roadworks and system upgrade projects - and are viewed as an increasingly vital means of ensuring any ongoing traffic flow disruption is kept to a minimum. The technology forms a central component of an