Even the most advanced traffic monitoring systems have occasional failures. Often, the fix is a simple re-set, but the critical question is: How quickly can your system communicate the specific problem?
Will you need to send a technician on site to the traffic cabinet to determine the problem? Will he or she have the correct tools and skills to make the repair when they get there? New technology is allowing systems to identify the source of the problem immediately. Best yet, many allow for remote repairs that can happen as quickly as the issue develops.
Identifying the failure signal
Any breakdown in the function of the system can cause havoc on the traffic of an intersection or school zone, so swift identification, attention, and repair are critical. The problem could be a simple break in communication to the traffic signals. Additionally, the problem could be within the cabinet itself, i.e., a physical or technical issue with the traffic signal controller. And finally, the problem could be a power failure affecting the area.
Can your traffic monitoring system tell the difference?
If the communications are down or a CCTV camera have stopped working, a simple reboot may be all that’s needed. Does your system require a reboot to be done at the physical cabinet? New traffic management system allow reboots to be done remotely, so that technicians don’t need to physically go to the cabinets.
Is there a problem within the cabinet itself? Could a cabinet door be open causing a moisture issue? Perhaps the cabinet has overheated? Intelligent systems proactively monitor the cabinet environment itself, so identification of the issues can be identified, and repaired. If the cabinet fan fails and the temperature rises too high this can cause the equipment in the cabinet to fail. Technician can proactively repair these problems before an entire cabinet is lost due to the elements.
Is the problem a power failure that will require repair from the utility company? An intelligent monitoring system can identify that and you can coordinate with the utility company before they even know of the issue.
The technology also have the ability to use access the traffic controller directly to change timing plans and do advanced diagnostics. Utilizing this form of communication can save time, money — and most importantly avoid or avert serious traffic problems — by communicating the specific source of a failure signal.
When it comes to traffic monitoring with safety at stake, swift and accurate communication is key, and advancements in technology are making these safer, simpler and more effective than ever.
