Hull City Council has introduced a new intelligent traffic camera system at the junction of Rosmead Street and Southcoates Lane, to support east Hull fire station.
Working in partnership with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and SWARCO, a traffic technology and intelligent transport systems specialist, the council has installed a Bernard smart camera to support firefighters at East Hull Fire Station respond to emergencies.
The project was developed following concerns raised by the fire station regarding delays when emergency vehicles left the site. Previously, the Station relied on a WigWag warning system only, which temporarily stopped traffic while emergency vehicles left the site.
However, the system only halted traffic for 40 seconds, and due to traffic calming islands, parked cars, and a narrow road, traffic was often flowing again by the time the vehicles left the station and reached the junction.
The first camera of its kind in Hull, it will work alongside the existing WigWag system by placing it into a ‘ready state’ when the firefighters are first alerted to an incident.
On exiting the station, the camera will detect the authorised emergency vehicle, and the Wig-Wag warning system will begin its start-up sequence.
This gives the firefighters the confidence that the signals will be operating as they approach the junction from around 50 metres away, rather than relying on an estimated activation time.
This will result in a safer and more reliable exit from the Station, helping firefighters join traffic on Southcoates Lane more efficiently when responding to emergencies.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “When responding to an emergency, every second counts. Following concerns raised by the station about access for emergency vehicles, we were determined to deliver a solution that would make a real difference.
“The new smart traffic camera at the junction of Rosmead Street and Southcoates Lane, installed in partnership with SWARCO, will help firefighters exit the station safely and efficiently, reducing delays and supporting emergency responses across the city.”
Group Manager Emergency Response in Hull, Craig Henry said: “This project is a great example of partnership working to improve safety for everyone using the road network around our Station.
“The new technology provides a more reliable way of managing traffic movements when we respond to emergencies, helping firefighters leave the Station safely while also giving motorists clear warning that an emergency vehicle is approaching. We are pleased to have worked with Hull City Council and SWARCO to develop a solution that benefits both our crews and the local community.”
The camera will only be operated in emergency situations and will not be used for enforcement purposes. It has been programmed to recognise authorised emergency vehicles only and does not collect information about general road users.
This project has been funded by the Department for Transport’s Green Light fund for innovation.