The Northern Ireland Roads Service has been reviewing developments in intelligent transport system (ITS)-based incident management techniques under the aegis of the EU-supported STREETWISE (Seamless Travel Environment for Efficient Transport in the Western Isles of Europe) project. Four examples of relevant technology improvements were identified. These include two hazard warning methods (COMPANION and intelligent road studs) and two developed for accident investigation (laser scanning and photogrammetry). The COMPANION hazard alert system uses electronic roadside beacons to warn drivers to slow down in advance of dangerous conditions ahead. Pilot sites at Munich, Germany, Verona, Italy and Edinburgh, UK characterised by a high proportion of heavy goods vehicles, congestion and a high risk of accidents are described. Trials of intelligent road studs from Astucia on a 3km test site on the approach to Junction 6 on the M8 in Scotland are described. Research by TRL on the potential of laser scanning in accident investigation is discussed. Photogrammetry, e.g. PMS's ELCOVISION system, enables the calculation of the real dimensions of an object appearing in a photographic image.
Abstract