VicRoads has implemented a successful trial of an emergency vehicle priority system at traffic signals on a strategic corridor in the south east of Melbourne. Seven locally-based emergency services vehicles were fitted with mobile infrared transmitters (emitters). The emitters produce a strobing light of a pre-determined frequency. Key approaches at five intersections on the trial corridor were fitted with receivers. These receivers detect the approach of an activated emitter. On receipt of this detection, a call for a special emergency vehicle phase is activated through SCATS which is Melbourne’s traffic signal system. Testing of the system has been conducted and the results are very encouraging. The results indicate the system is operating in accordance with the system parameters with an acceptable level of priority achieved for emergency services vehicles during ‘urgent duty driving’. Victoria Police are evaluating the system from an emergency vehicle driver’s perspective for the three emergency services participating in the trial. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E211825.
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