Skip to main content

Sony cameras and video analysis advance road tunnel safety in Sweden

Road tunnels are a particularly dangerous environment. Not only do fires burn more violently in enclosed environments, as happened in the 1999 Mont Blanc tunnel disaster, the low lighting and confined reaction space mean accidents are more likely to happen. Authorities must, therefore, be easily and quickly alerted to accidents, breakdowns and equipment must be working at all time.
May 16, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Road tunnels are a particularly dangerous environment. Not only do fires burn more violently in enclosed environments, as happened in the 1999 Mont Blanc tunnel disaster, the low lighting and confined reaction space mean accidents are more likely to happen. Authorities must, therefore, be easily and quickly alerted to accidents, breakdowns and equipment must be working at all time.

To manage this process Sweden has implemented camera surveillance systems on almost all large tunnels. The latest to gain this technology is on the Norra Länken (Northern Link), a motorway in Stockholm, between Norrtull and Karlberg. Once complete, almost 500 cameras will monitor the entire tunnel and the surface road network.

To implement the network, Swedish authorities turned to 5572 ISG, a systems integrator and intelligent video analysis specialist, based in the southern, coastal city of Höganäs.

The ISG system, at the heart of which is a 576 Sony FCB vision camera, monitors traffic flow and analyses the video for incidents, such as breakdowns or accidents. Upon detection, the system automatically sends image sequences directly to Trafikverket and Stockholm Stad's (the City of Stockholm’s) traffic management centre, Trafik Stockholm, enabling the operations management team to determine further actions.

ISG is also in the process of upgrading functionality be adding additional, complementary technologies, for example radar detectors. ISG’s solution, which can combine information from different detection systems regardless of the technology and brand, is unique. The company will also supply vandal-resistant emergency telephones which are installed for example in first aid rooms, SOS cabins, at all on-ramps and off-ramps and at the parking slots at the various maintenance areas. When distressed road users pick up the phone, the call will be automatically directed to the operators at Trafik Stockholm.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • System predicts train delays and informs response
    February 25, 2016
    David Crawford looks into the near-term future for Stockholm’s rail commuters. Swedish rail operator Stockholmståg, which runs commuter services in and around the country’s capital, is claiming a world first with the introduction of its automated Pendelprognosen (commuter prognosis) service. Developed to enable the prediction of delays as much as two hours before they are likely to occur, this offers the operator the scope for much earlier remedial action than previously - for example by filling in the expe
  • Flir to highlight smart analytics for thermal cameras at Intertraffic
    February 26, 2016
    Flir, a world leader in thermal imaging infrared cameras and intelligent detection and monitoring solutions to enhance traffic safety and mobility, will use Intertraffic Amsterdam 2016 to highlight how the company’s smart analytics for thermal cameras can reliably detect fire and hot spots in tunnels. Next to continuous temperature measurement, Flir analytics examine size and flame dynamics to reliably detect smoke or flames in non-contact mode. The company says that cameras with its analytics detect fires
  • Xerox video enforcement deters stopped-bus overtaking
    November 7, 2012
    High resolution cameras, video motion detection and modems are being fitted to school buses in Maryland, as part of a system designed to enforce and deter stopped-bus overtaking violations. A new video enforcement system is being installed to record drivers illegally overtaking school buses in Frederick County, Maryland. It is against the law to overtake a parked school bus that is loading or unloading students, yet a 2011 survey for the Maryland Department of Education found 7,000 cases of drivers illegall
  • Sweden winning over doubters
    December 4, 2012
    Comparatively little negative comment has been made in Swedish media with regard to the country’s widespread speed enforcement, according to project manager Eva Lundberg of Trafikverket, Sweden’s Transport dministration. Lundberg is due to give a presentation at the Vienna World Congress special session on enforcement, probably with more than a passing word on public acceptance. Trafikverket has put a lot of work into its Vision Zero road safety strategy over the past few years; much of it targeting reducti