Traffic monitoring equipment

A new device that monitors seat belts and speeds are being tested.

Developed by experts at the VTT Technical Research Center in Otaniemi, near the capital Helsinki (Finland), the device also measures the distance between vehicles in transit, road surface conditions and emission level. It even helped the police detect the cars that did not buy insurance!

A kind of surveillance equipment for cars. (Internet photos)

The new equipment is being tested and is part of a European Union project to reduce accidents due to traffic violations. The testing process will last until the end of 2011, after which part of the device will be officially produced.

The new traffic monitor is based on an automatic camera and wireless network connection. It is located in the car's mobile compartment. As a result, police can track the traffic situation, capture and punish those who break the law easily, comprehensively and fairly. Tracking information will be stored in a common database for police, road managers, and environmental agencies. A pilot system was set up in the city of Tampere, southern Finland.

The goal of the project is to develop equipment that best meets the rigorous requirements of the police. Databases are strictly protected by ' firewalls ' and technical measures. The device automatically cancels the image after more than a month and the images show no signs of traffic violation. After the test phase, new equipment can be mounted on the police car.

The total cost of the project is € 8.2 million, largely funded by the European Commission. The project consists of four pilot areas, including Finland, Germany, France and Austria. The cost for the trial in Finland is 270,000 euros.