Development of a lorry monitoring and identification system

This paper describes a project to develop, install and commission a prototype system to monitor and photograph lorries contravening lorry bans. The prototype enforcement system described consists of two main components: a vehicle detection system incorporating piezo sensors; and a camera system which is used to photograph vehicles of interest. Tests of the system at a trial site in Welham Green, Hertfordshire, UK, have shown that it is effective in identifying heavy goods vehicles that are potential ban violators. This is the first time that a classification system has been successfully implemented which seeks to classify vehicles according to 'plated' gross vehicle weight. Based on the prototype installed and tested at Welham Green, the SHERIFF law enforcement system has been developed. This could play an important role in assisting police authorities in the monitoring and enforcement of traffic highway violations. This will be particularly true when laws are passed allowing prosecutions for speeding and red-light offences to be made on the basis of photographic evidence alone.<>