Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
Monitoring road safety Tunnels
- Publication category
- Other algorithms
- Impact assessment
- Field not filled in.
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to publication website
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The aim of this approach is to improve safety in tunnels, through efficient monitoring systems with minimal errors. Now, monitoring in tunnels is based on loops in the road. This results in many (and mostly unnecessary) messages for traffic controllers. This makes it harder for traffic controllers to value reports. They may therefore overlook an important, justified report, for example. Smart cameras detect stationary traffic better, delivering fewer false reports. This allows road traffic controllers to do their job better.
Considerations
Rijkswaterstaat road traffic controllers are tasked with keeping the roads safe. Their task is simplified by efficient information provision. The use of the camera system reduces the number of unnecessary reports. The camera system recognises stationary traffic at least as well as on the basis of loops. This has been proven by pilots. This allows traffic controllers to act more appropriately in case of indications.
The camera system involves less cost and traffic disruption than loops in the asphalt. The privacy of road users is guaranteed as camera images are not stored. The cameras are also not used for enforcement (e.g. of speed limits).
Human intervention
Rijkswaterstaat's road traffic controllers are notified by the camera system when it detects stationary traffic. They can then consult camera images themselves to assess the situation in the tunnel. They then determine whether measures are needed, such as signalling or emergency services. The system thus acts supportively in monitoring road safety.
Risk management
Extensive and prolonged testing was carried out with different incident detection technologies. Those tests took place in different environments and conditions. Examples include radar, detection loops, smart cameras. The camera system operates in within Rijkswaterstaat's network so no data is exchanged with the outside world. Camera images are not stored or distributed. Road traffic controllers assess the situation in the tunnel before taking further action.
Legal basis
In the Netherlands, the European Tunnel Directive was transposed into national tunnel legislation in 2006. This is stricter than the European directive. The Dutch Tunnel Act applies to all road tunnels of 250 m or longer. The introduction of the European Tunnels Directive has meant that the safety of many European tunnels has improved enormously. For instance, escape routes have been constructed and proper safety systems have been installed. Combined with regular maintenance, Dutch tunnels are among the safest in Europe.
Links to legal bases
Operations
Data
Camera images of road traffic in a tunnel. The data is not stored. The algorithm in the camera uses it directly to detect stationary traffic. When stationary traffic is detected, the system just delivers a notification to traffic control.
Technical design
The smart camera has an internal AI algorithm. Based on current camera images, the algorithm determines the speeds of vehicles. With those speeds, the algorithm then determines whether there is any stopped traffic. When an incident is detected, the camera sends a notification to Rijkswaterstaat traffic control.
External provider
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