Skip to main content

US MAP-21 legislation reignites detection sensor market

The latest study by IHS Research estimates detection sensor revenues declined by 4.3 percent in 2011 to US$102.2 million. However, recent events suggest demand for detection sensors, which are used to help optimise traffic flows and reduce roadway congestion, is likely to improve over the near term. The main cause for optimism is the recent and unexpected passage of the MAP-21 act by the US congress. MAP-21 legislation will set aside US$105 billion for improvements to America’s surface transportation infras
November 2, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The latest study by 6822 IHS Research estimates detection sensor revenues declined by 4.3 percent in 2011 to US$102.2 million.

However, recent events suggest demand for detection sensors, which are used to help optimise traffic flows and reduce roadway congestion, is likely to improve over the near term.

The main cause for optimism is the recent and unexpected passage of the MAP-21 act by the US congress. MAP-21 legislation will set aside US$105 billion for improvements to America’s surface transportation infrastructure.
 
“The new funding will impact the detection sensor market in a number of ways,” remarks Michael Arluck, report author and analyst at IHS. “Highways and roads will form a significant component of the program. As such, there is likely to be additional demand for detection sensor products on the back of these transportation projects.”
 
Arluck continues: “Another positive sign for the industry has been the recent rise in ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) consulting work. Such a trend is often a good leading indicator for future demand, perhaps 18-24 months out, of detection sensor products.”

In the light of these and other factors, IHS has forecast a gradual improvement in the US market for detection sensors, with revenues returning to positive growth in 2012 and growing by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3 percent to $149.4 million in 2017.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Temporary traffic monitoring with Bluetooth and wi-fi
    May 31, 2013
    David Crawford reviews developments in temporary ITS. Widespread take-up of technologies such as Bluetooth and wi-fi are encouraging the emergence of more sophisticated, while still cost effective, ITS responses to the traffic issues posed by temporary road situations such as work zones and special events. Andy Graham of traffic solutions specialists White Willow Consulting says: “A machine-to-machine radio link is far easier and cheaper than reading characters on a plate.” There can be other plusses. Tech
  • Amsterdam reaps the reward of digitised parking
    April 20, 2016
    Amsterdam had taken the final step in digitising parking and parking enforcement and the move is paying dividends. It was almost a decade ago that the City of Amsterdam decided to start the evolution - or maybe even a revolution – of its parking enforcement: it got rid of the paper parking permit or ticket behind the windscreen and introduced the digital parking right. It was the first step on a bumpy but successful road to digitization, resulting in a fore running position in on street parking enforcement.
  • Economic stimulus and investment in ITS solutions
    February 2, 2012
    Scott Belcher, President and CEO of ITS America looks at the year ahead
  • House proposes US$10.5 billion eight-month highway bill
    July 10, 2014
    The US Government House Ways and Means Committee is proposing a US$10.5 billion, eight-month transportation funding bill to push the debate over road and transit spending into the next Congress. The proposal, which calls for a temporary extension of current transportation funding levels until 31 May 2015, comes as lawmakers try to come up with a way to replenish the Department of Transportation's depleted Highway Trust Fund before a predicted August bankruptcy date. The traditional funding source fo