SICK - Road Traffic Sensors and Detectors

SICK provides a wide range of traffic sensors, ranging from simple photo switches for detecting high vehicles, transmissiometers and scattered light meters to spectrometers for pollution monitoring in tunnels, laser scanners and even 3D-cameras, for the road traffic industry.

Based on more than 40 years' experience and with optical sensors in traffic, SICK's solutions are designed for reliable operation even under severe weather conditions.

Laser measurement systems for vehicle classification

SICK's LMS511 or LMS111 laser scanners provide 2D profile data of vehicle passing below for very precise vehicle classification and vehicle separation. Systems of several laser scanners mounted overhead on one gantry and synchronised allow for traffic data collection not only in single-lane applications like toll plazas but also in multi-lane-free-flow (MLFF) traffic.

The enforcement process of many nationwide electronic toll collection (ETC) systems, in Germany, Czech Republic or Portugal, is based on SICK's laser scanners. 

The same laser scanners can also be used for red light and speed enforcement. Furthermore, laser scanners of this kind, e.g. the LD-MRS or the world's first safe outdoor laser scanner OS2000, and could be used for monitoring dangerous areas at level crossings.

Light grids for vehicle classification and separation

Our sunlight-proof XLG light curtains are used at toll stations on single lanes. The resolution (distance between two adjacent beams) is typically 30mm. Data from each beam is transmitted via serial interface. From this data, the vehicle class, front / rear end and the number of axles can be derived easily with high accuracy. 

Road tunnel sensors for controlling ventilation and smoke detection

SICK is a market leader in tunnel sensors for measuring the air quality and pollution concentrations in road tunnels. Today beside the k-value, used to indicate visibility in tunnels, the CO-concentration is often measured but more and more the NO2-concentration takes over the leading role for controlling the ventilation. 

SICK's product portfolio comprises all required components and technologies, which is unique when compared to all other suppliers for this market.

Over-height road vehicle sensors and detectors

SICK offers different systems for detecting parts of vehicles or goods that stick out of the structural clearance of bridges or tunnels.

The HISIC450 system consists of two parallel aligned photo switches with strong light sources. It reliably detects any passing object with a diameter in the range of several centimetres.

The LMS111 can achieve the same but without the necessity for installations on both sides of the road. With high-end camera systems, even antennas can be detected. This can be important as catenary wires could be touched.

Visual range and fog detectors for roads

In regions where fog can occur, modern traffic management systems are equipped with sensors measuring visual range. Based on these measurement results, speed limits are adjusted automatically.

Wherever VISIC sensors from SICK have been in use this way, the number of severe accidents and car pile-ups caused by fog has been cut to zero.