Drones to be used for traffic control on motorways

A drone is an unmanned aircraft. Drones are more formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems. Essentially, a drone is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans in its embedded systems, that work in conjunction with onboard sensors and a global positioning system (GPS).

UAVs were most often associated with the military. They were initially used for anti-aircraft target practice, intelligence gathering and, more controversially, as weapons platforms. Drones are now also used in a range of civilian roles, including the following:

• search and rescue
• surveillance
• traffic monitoring
• weather monitoring
• firefighting
• personal use
• drone-based photography
• videography
• agriculture
• delivery services

The Future of Traffic Monitoring

Technological advancements have challenged traditional methods of transportation engineering. Traffic monitoring has traditionally required significant on the ground person-power that is resource intensive. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have recently become prominent in the commercial market and are equipped with a video camera, geo-positioning sensors, and communications hardware which can relay data to the ground. The efficiency of traditional data collection methods can be improved through the use of UAVs for traffic monitoring.

A UAV was used to investigate driver behaviour at a new two-lane roundabout in New Brunswick from September 2015 – 2016. Data was collected at 1-month intervals and analyzed manually to interpret driver errors and how they improved over time. An operational analysis which included the development of critical and follow-up headway values used by traditional capacity analyses was also undertaken using the UAV video footage.

The motorways and highways of the country would now be monitored through sophisticated drones’ system which would also provide a record of round the clock movement on roads. The Motorway Police will deploy technology like variable messaging signs, body-worn cameras, and intelligent automation to streamline operations for commuters, according to the Ministry of Communications. According to the details, this step will reduce the dependency on human intervention and transition to a modern standard of operation.

NH&MP still hasn’t announced the exact implementation date, however, the announcement suggests that it might take place soon in gradual manner. The Motorway Official stated that the movement of the Traffic would be monitored by utilizing the drone technology from the M9 highway, according to the Motorway Official. This initiative is a part of a 5-year plan to upgrade and modify the Services of the National Highways and Motorways Police.

Earlier on Thursday, NH&MP Inspector General Khalid Mahmood conducted a field visit to (M-2) North toll plaza and (M-1) facilitation centre. During the visit, the IG was briefed on recent developments on (M-2) North. He distributed prizes among the employees of NH&MP, National Highway Authority and Frontier Works Organisation. Awards were also distribut­ed among the drivers of public service vehicles with the best track record.