[Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car

Wed Mar 25 12:46:14 EDT 2009

Hi Doug,

I can't remember if it was "Ask Liz" on NBC-4, or WTOP, but someone just
reported on that day before yesterday.  The question was what was that plane
that was always flying up and down I-270 during the rush hour.  The answer
was that it was a plane that monitored traffic conditions **and** was
equipped to change traffic signal patterns.  FYI only...

Dewey

On Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 11:57 AM, Doug Kitchener <oldsdoug at hotmail.com>wrote:

>
> "The Skymaster is outfitted with special cameras and equipment that allow
> it to actually change the timing of traffic lights."
>
> ?
>
> Can the light timing actually be controlled _from the plane_?  Or do they
> merely report traffic snarls to the Traffic Management Center at the PSCC on
> Quince Orchard Road?
>
> ----------------------------------------
> > From: m_c_rumberg at hotmail.com
> > To: scan-dc at mailman.qth.net
> > Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:52:48 -0400
> > Subject: Re: [Scan-DC] VSP video cameras on car
> >
> >
> > 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
> >>
> >> Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:41:48
> >> To: Cathy Drzyzgula
> >> Cc:
> >> 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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