National City deploys new signal preemtion technology

National City, in San Diego county, California, has installed Opticom multimode signal equipment to enhance safety and provide more efficient traffic signal preemption and management. Currently, more than 70 intersections are equipped with infrared (IR) signal priority technology, most of which are Opticom devices. This allows emergency responders to activate green lights en route to their destination. With the new multimode technology installed at eight intersections, traffic signals can be triggered using
April 19, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSNational City, in San Diego county, California, has installed Opticom multimode signal equipment to enhance safety and provide more efficient traffic signal preemption and management. Currently, more than 70 intersections are equipped with infrared (IR) signal priority technology, most of which are Opticom devices. This allows emergency responders to activate green lights en route to their destination. With the new multimode technology installed at eight intersections, traffic signals can be triggered using IR or global positioning system (GPS) activation technology for even more control and efficiency.

"The National City landscape is unique, with steep hills and winding roads," said Mayor Ron Morrison. "GPS allows our emergency responders to trigger green signals from significantly further distances away from intersections. It will enhance safety for our citizens and emergency responders. And it will help us save lives."

The technology allows staff to monitor Opticom equipped intersections remotely in real-time for more efficient system management. Its central management software (CMS) offers remote monitoring capabilities to minimise the need for time-consuming trips to the intersections, which in turn reduces maintenance costs.
Networking & Communication Systems Urban Traffic Control

Related Content

  • A carbon free and accident free Europe by 2015?
    February 2, 2012
    By 2050, the Europe Commission aims to make transport in Europe carbon- and accident-free. Between now and then, however, a significant technological development and deployment effort is needed. Here, Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Agenda, talks about what's being done. In many respects, COOPERS, CVIS and SAFESPOT, set up by the European Commission (EC) to explore the potential of cooperative infrastructure systems, are already legacy projects. Between them, the three devel
    Read More
  • Small toll agency adopts big city thinking
    December 5, 2014
    Andrew Bardin Williams looks at a novel option for new toll road authorities. While somewhat politically controversial, outsourcing has gained traction in the business world as a model worth investigating for its efficiency and cost saving benefits. Lean start-ups tend to employ independent contractors instead of full-time employees in an effort to remain flexible and avoid costs associated with pensions, retirement places, health insurance, office space and benefit packages.
    Read More
  • Coded exchanges
    July 24, 2012
    For many, Ethernet- and IP-based networks are the cast-iron solution to ITS's communications needs. However, there remain issues from manufacturer to manufacturer with interpretation of what are supposed to be common standards The 'promise' of Ethernet was that different devices such as IP video cameras and traffic signals could be easily integrated into communications networks, simplifying the process of transporting data over copper, fibre or wirelessly. However, although Ethernet devices have come to pre
    Read More
  • Tolling systems - interoperability is key
    January 25, 2012
    Is US tolling as fragmented and divided as some would have you believe? And are the technology suppliers so very entrenched? ITS International spoke to the market's leading suppliers. A few years back, the prevalent view was that the North American tolling market was characterised by fragmented, proprietary solutions, each existing in splendid isolation. The reality is that a combination of pragmatism and good old market forces have seen some concerted moves made towards interoperability in many areas.
    Read More

Highlighted Content