Initial - Road Traffic Management

Initial has extensive experience in road traffic management and is responsible for managing road traffic, building and maintenance. We focus on providing a faster and safer traffic management service. Through extensive government investment we have developed the National Roads Telecommunications Service (NRTS) which includes CCTV traffic monitoring, systems message signs and emergency telephones.

Our aims include:

• Reducing traffic congestion
• Improving road safety
• Informing travellers with up to date journey information
• Making better use of road space

We offer the following services:

• Highway and tunnel surveillance
• Congestion monitoring
• Bus lane monitoring
• Driver information
• Toll enforcement
• Incident detection
• Traffic data monitoring

Our technology includes:

• Transmission equipment
• CCTV equipment
• Network based control systems
• Image processing equipment
• Licence plate recognition equipment
• Incident detection equipment
• Control room display systems
• Roadside variable message signs
• Emergency telephones

SECOND GENERATION CCTV

Second generation CCTV comprises the following services and features:

• Television Base Station (TVBS) controls the communications, control and logging functions
• Television Slave Station (TVSS) is the camera outstation at the roadside
• Video Information Highway (VIH) is a framework designed to enable the police and the UK Highways Agency access to road traffic images.
• Video Client (VC) is a software application that enables the user to select any camera for viewing or control
• Video Access Client Interface (HVACI) provides a seamless interface between the second generation CCTV and legacy CCTV systems
• VIH Client Gateway (HVCG) is the server that VCs must first use to access CCTV systems

The CCTV images produced allow for evaluation of traffic conditions, analysis, accident information and an overall picture of road traffic to enable complete traffic management.

CENTRAL LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE AND NETWORK 2

Initial played a significant role in developing and delivering the congestion charge initiative which aims to reduce and control road traffic. A network of cameras record high quality images of number plates to ensure those who are not exempt or have not pre-paid are liable for a penalty charge notice. Initial won the congestion charge contract due to the reliability and quality of our equipment, service and staff.

In addition to designing and implementing the congestion charge we also collect, process, buffer and record number plate information from cameras all over London through Network 2. This system also includes a function that detects faults with the software and reports them automatically.

DARTFORD RIVER CROSSING (DRC)

The DRC is one of Europe’s most heavily used toll crossings with over 120,000 payment transactions taking place every day. Initial was selected to update the design and system. We designed, built and installed new booths, charging systems and a complimentary video-based enforcement system.

Our CCTV system uses fibre optic transmission, digital video recordings, archiving and viewing equipment. Initial's Digital Video Recording Units (DVRU) have a large-capacity to backup and retrieve images and data for three months.

M42 ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM)

Initial are carrying out a pilot scheme, ATM, which employs technological and operational strategies to make better use of existing road space, whilst aiming to alleviate congestion and improve the detection and response to incidents. This is accomplished through overall CCTV of the roads, hard shoulders and emergency refuge areas.

We had to design, build, install and test all cameras, transmissions and recording equipment. Part of the initiative on the M42 was to allow vehicles to use the hard shoulder in times of heavy congestion. So this proposal is not abused we installed a monitoring system to catch vehicles using the hard shoulder at inappropriate times.