As part of ongoing efforts to seek the best methods available to minimise the disruption and safety risks from roadworks while keeping traffic moving, a recent project has seen Enterprise Mouchel and Tyco Integrated Systems working closely together to install 54 Rapid Deployable CCTV cameras (RDC’s) for the Highways Agency in the south of England.

Weighing in at a mere 6.5kg each the cameras are located at selected traffic signalled junctions to work alongside the traffic signal team’s remote Urban Traffic Control system (UTC).

The main objective is to have the ability to view junction performance via the use of the CCTV system. Informed decisions can then be made by interacting directly with the traffic signal controllers who can vary timing plans accordingly via the UTC and the real time viewing of the CCTV system.

The CCTV system can be fully controlled from the NCC and neighbouring Local Authorities. This enables the development of the building blocks necessary for working in a closer relationship with neighbouring Local Authorities on subjects which are relevant on a regional basis.

The use of 3G communication to the dedicated server from the cameras has reduced the cost of having to install and procure alternative transmission methods , e.g. ADSL lines to each site which is a very expensive process. This has also meant placing the cameras on site has been faster as there have been no restrictions as to where they can be mounted, increasing the efficiency of how much the cameras can view.

The installation of the cameras happened over a 4 week period in April, installing in some cases up to five cameras a night. The close relationship with Tyco and the dedicated contractor, who provided civils and power to the CCTV locations, has meant the programme of installing fifty four cameras in this short space of time is the first of its kind for all involved.

Tyco Integrated Systems account manager Robin Satwick commented “The four months delivery time is a credit to all involved for their hard work and dedication to the project and provides good grounding for further expansion of the CCTV system in the area.”

Robin continued “The need for a fast role out with minimum traffic disruption made the RDC’s a perfect fit for this project. The ease of installation compared to a normal traffic camera along with all the other benefits of this type of set-up has given the client a high quality and flexible system. One of the key features of the unique encoder built into these cameras is the ability to fix the bandwidth used, unlike other compression algorithms which vary the bandwidth according to the scene. This allows us to predict the cost of data transmission and tailor the system to the client’s budget. Additionally, as a web hosted system, the cameras can be viewed from anywhere with the appropriate connection and multiple operators can view the picture simultaneously. This feature also allows pictures to be viewed and the camera controlled on a smart phone, literally giving you a mobile control room. All in all it’s an ideal system that can be used for temporary installations to cover everything from road works and monitoring to social occasions like carnivals and sporting events.”