Mapping the future

Buchanan Computing launches cloud-based kerbside map

A new cloud mapping service has been developed to allow the viewing of large areas of parking and other kerbside restrictions. The national platform, by Buchanan Computing, includes an API (application programming interface) allowing the streaming of data to provide an augmented reality showing which traffic restrictions are in force.

The new service is part of the latest iteration of Buchanan’s existing traffic order management application ParkMap, which has been updated and redesigned to enable driverless cars to navigate the UK’s kerbside restrictions.

The platform’s fully documented API is designed to open the door for third party applications to stream the data being provided to create an augmented reality (AR) of the real world, thus highlighting which traffic restrictions are in force.

The company said its cloudbased service is a step towards smart cities because it will allow third parties such as motor manufacturers to create more intelligent vehicles that can navigate UK roads more easily.

The platform enables local authorities to update and create traffic orders within ParkMap. These are transferred into standard format and published onto Buchanan’s national cloud service for consumption by other applications such as in-car navigation systems.

The service also supplies data in an open format enabling it to be easily utilised within mapping applications including web mapping layers or 3D visualisations.

For completeness, the platform can accept data feeds from other non-ParkMap systems.

A pilot version of the technology has been trialled by Essex County Council among others. The latest version builds on work undertaken to standardise data.

Buchanan Computing says the service thus covers the Department for Transport supported formats such as TRODigital (TRO-D), which is the standard needed to exchange information about traffic orders in a well-defined, detailed and consistent way, and the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS), an emerging international ISO standard for sharing parking data.

Alex Smith, managing director of Buchanan Computing said: “This new service represents a significant step forward for the sector as such a comprehensive set of data for traffic and parking regulations has never been available before in one place on a cloud based platform.

“The technology not only covers all kerbside controls, but also incorporates daily live feeds from each local authority. It will provide a real boost for future technology around smart cities and the job of helping to integrate smart initiatives with existing economic development and public service delivery plans.”

Buchanan Computing is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over that time it pioneered the use of map-based schedules rather than paper-based schedules for traffic orders, and provided cloud computing services to traffic and highway teams.

Buchanan Computing’s client portfolio includes the Department for Transport, National Highways and most of the highways authorities in the UK. Across the UK over 90 local authorities are currently using ParkMap for the management of their traffic regulation orders, including the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Cardiff, Essex, Lancashire, Blackpool and Glasgow.

Alex Smith said: “Our company has been at the forefront of technology surrounding traffic regulations for over 25 years and this latest evolution of our digital rules of the road once again breaks new ground in its use of data.

“We are sharing publicly owned data via this service with the aim of enabling others to develop their own applications needed for the successful delivery of smart cities agenda. We are therefore keen to work with innovative partners in relevant industries such as motor manufacturing and other transport application developers to use this data to help drive that forward.”

Buchanan Computing’s cloud platform

An enterprising retail parking solution

ANPR controlled barriers

Eastbourne shopping centre adopts Flowbird ANPR technology

The Enterprise shopping centre in Eastbourne has upgraded its car park to offer automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to improve pay-on-exit options for shoppers.

The ANPR technology supports two payment options provided by Flowbird.

The auto-bill payment method allows users to register their vehicle, and payments are taken automatically from a bank account once a month. This means that regular customers at the centre do not have to queue at pay stations.

Drivers also have the option of using the Flowbird app. Once registered, the app allows users to select the chosen car park. The app is linked to the ANPR system, so once selected, the entry and exit time will be calculated and invoiced to users’ accounts.

The Enterprise shopping centre, which dates back to the Victorian era, offers customers over 100 parking spaces.

Tony James, finance director at the Enterprise centre, said: “The new system offers so much more ease-of-use to our customers and the ability to future proof today’s technology.”

Danny Hassett, Flowbird’s managing director for Smart City UK, added: “Flowbird’s solutions are designed to offer reliability and a solid return on investment. Our technology gives customers peace of mind that they have invested in solutions that have a good shelf-life and won’t be subject to unnecessary future upgrades or maintenance.”

Payment terminal

NSL and Videalert manage drop-off and pick-up zones

London Stansted Airport has installed CCTV enforcement cameras to eliminate the incidence of tailgating as drivers attempt to leave the drop-off zones and short-term car parks without paying.

The Videalert cameras have been supplied as part of an ongoing contract with enforcement contractor NSL which includes back office processing and debt recovery services.

Steve Mills, surface access manager, landside operations at Stansted, said: “NSL has provided us with a cost-effective enforcement solution that will enable us to rapidly achieve high levels of compliance, particularly in respect of the repeat offenders that try to avoid paying their parking charges.

“This has been a particular issue in short-term car parks where people have routinely stayed two weeks without paying. The cameras will help us to eliminate lost parking revenues and improve safety for all passengers around the airport.”

CCTV enforcement cameras have been installed at the exits of the drop-off zones and short term parking. Each camera monitors two lanes simultaneously capturing the number plates of every vehicle that passes through the barriers.

The cameras transmit data to Videalert’s hosted digital video platform where evidence packs are automatically compiled for review by operators at NSL’s Oldham Shared Service Centre.

Penalty charge notices (PCNs) are then sent to the owners of all vehicles committing an offence.

NSL has also provided the airport with a Videalert mobile enforcement vehicle (MEV) to reduce the incidence of drivers stopping or parking on access road verges.

These roads are designated as no-stopping areas and the MEV will act as a deterrent to the many taxis, private hire vehicles, friends and relatives that cause traffic congestion and safety issues in these areas by waiting to drop-off or pick-up passengers.

With front and rear facing cameras, the MEV automatically captures the number plates of stopped vehicles in unattended mode and transmits footage to the Videalert platform.

Mark Jones, operations director at Videalert, said: “This is one of the first such installations of Videalert cameras on private land and demonstrates the breadth of our range of integrated transport and enforcement solutions.”

Videalert and NSL are part of the Marston Holdings transportation and enforcement services group.

Stansted

Portsmouth CAZ features Yunex Traffic cameras

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone features Yunex Traffic ANPR technology

Portsmouth City Council launched its Clean Air Zone (CAZ) on 29 November.

The government-mandated CAZ is designed to ensure the city achieves compliance with legal limits of nitrogen dioxide levels in the shortest possible time.

Drivers of non-compliant HGVs, buses, coaches, taxi and private hire vehicles now have to pay a charge to drive through the zone in the southwest side of the city.

However, drivers of private cars, vans and motorcycles will not be charged to drive in Portsmouth but may be charged to driver in other clean air zones in the UK.

Portsmouth City Council selected Yunex Traffic as the enforcement camera provider for the CAZ scheme.

The company’s automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras identify and register every vehicle that enters the zone.

Yunex Traffic Sicore II ANPR cameras have been installed at 42 locations.

The information captured at each location is interfaced with the UK government’s national Clean Air Zone database for vehicle checking and payment.

Cllr Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for community safety and environment, said: “We should be speaking about air quality every day. There are so many ways we can all make a difference to the air quality in our city. It might be using public transport more, ditching the second car and joining a car club, making your next vehicle electric, or walking, catching the bus or renting an e-scooter for your next short journey.”

Wilke Reints, managing director, Yunex Traffic in the UK, said: “Following the introduction of a clean air zone in Birmingham earlier this year, we’re delighted that Yunex Traffic technology is also at the center of Portsmouth’s new scheme.

“The zone has been tailored to meet the needs of those living and working in Portsmouth and will improve air quality for local people.”

A Sicore II ANPR camera

SWARCO retains place on TTAS Framework

SWARCO UK has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Transport Technology and Associated Services (TTAS) Framework.

The TTAS Framework replaces The Traffic Management Technology Framework 2 (TMT2) and enables public sector organisations to access a range of products and services from approved suppliers before entering into further competition.

Within the lots awarded, SWARCO Traffic will be providing variable message signs (VMS), speed warning signs and parking guidance technology, as well as its urban mobility management software, MyCity. Sister business SWARCO Smart Charging will provide electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Within the wider SWARCO family, sister business APT Skidata will deliver a range of car access control equipment including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, barriered and barrierless parking systems, and real-time monitoring and reporting.