[Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car

[michael rumberg]

they do this from a plane!!

 

As I drive home every afternoon, I see an unusual airplane flying up and down Interstate 270. What is it doing? 

The plane is a twin engine Cessna 337 Skymaster that Montgomery County's Department of Transportation leases for traffic surveillance. It's more unusual than you know. The Skymaster is outfitted with special cameras and equipment that allow it to actually change the timing of traffic lights. The Skymaster flies between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. If there is a highway emergency, it can become a command center. The twin engines drive two propellers, one facing forward, the other backward, which is why some pilots call it a "push-pull" plane. 

 


 
> To: sdaitch at kuw.ibb.gov; scan-dc-bounces at mailman.qth.net; cathy at drzyzgula.org

> Talking about traffic lights... Montgomery County has a sophisticated system where they can remotely control any traffic signal at any intersection in the county. They can adjust it for rush hour, an accident, police or fire activity, or any other reason.
> 
> David
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sheldon Daitch <sdaitch at kuw.ibb.gov>
> 
> Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:41:48 
> To: Cathy Drzyzgula<cathy at drzyzgula.org>
> Cc: <scan-dc at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car
> 
> 
> I live in a location were there are numerous stationary speed cameras
> along divided highways, which are also marked with signs telling drivers
> the cameras are in place.
> 
> Since they are fixed in location, most drivers know where they are, speed
> between them and then slow down for the cameras. It is the mobile
> speed cameras which get tricky, but even with them, the local
> speed camera folks tend to park the speed camera vehicles in the
> same locations. 
> 
> An earlier posting discussed yellow light lengths.
> 
> I haven't done extensive research into the yellow light issue in regards
> to minimum yellow light periods, but one would think with the standards for
> everything else regarding road and highway construction, there should be 
> standards
> for yellow light periods based on the width of the cross street, number 
> of lanes,
> width of a median, if any, and the expected speeds involved. Any traffic
> signal with yellow light timing reduced below the standard should be a 
> violation
> of some kind of law.
> 
> I understand the issue with too-short yellow lights, but I know from 
> personal
> experience, with longer yellow lights at wider intersections, a longer 
> light temps
> the driver, including me, to have doubts about whether to cross on yellow or
> try to stop. I am not sure if it is practical, but I've always wondered 
> if the
> approach to an intersection should be marked with a yellow cross line to
> assist drivers. If the light turns yellow before you get to the line, 
> it is not safe to
> continue across the intersection, so stop. If that line is behind you when
> the light turns yellow, you have sufficient time to cross the intersection.
> 
> 
> Sheldon
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Cathy Drzyzgula wrote:
> > This is one argument I've never understood, why using technology to more
> > efficiently catch lawbreakers is seen a way to increase revenue, rather than
> > a way to increase compliance with the law. I think the likelihood of
> > getting caught should be high to deter people from speeding, driving while
> > suspended, stealing cars, etc. and to have consequences for those who do it
> > anyhow.
> >
> > Cathy
> >
> > 
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