Videalert

45,000 penalty charge notices in six months prompts doubling in scope of system to further smooth traffic flow

London, UK, July 4th, 2011 - Bradford Metropolitan District Council has doubled its use of automated bus lane enforcement platform from traffic and car park solutions provider Videalert, to help improve city centre traffic flows without requiring additional resources for its traffic monitoring team.

Since the system received final certification as an approved device by the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) on behalf of the Department of Transport, in September 2010, traffic has flowed more smoothly and there is a high satisfaction from residents and road users.

The programme extension is welcomed by local bus operators which have been concerned by traffic congestion on city centre bus routes for some time. Department of Transport research for 2008 shows that the average speed of traffic is only just over four miles per hour in Bradford and other major UK cities during the morning peak.¹

From later this summer, ten Bradford city centre bus lanes will be monitored using Videalert. The council expects this number to be increased to twelve later this year.

An easy to set up platform, Videalert software automates the processes from the capture and recording of video of vehicle contraventions through to integration with software that issues Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). This streamlines the complete end-to-end process for the identification of traffic contraventions - without extra resources being needed.

Metro chairman, Councillor Chris Greaves, commented: "By blocking bus lanes and parking in bus stop lay-bys, selfish motorists are making journey times longer for buses, hampering level-access boarding which so many passengers find useful and compromising the safety of all road users.

"It also negates the investment we and the districts make in improving public transport, relieving congestion and reducing carbon emissions.  This new enforcement scheme, with its fixed Penalty Charge Notices, could cost some thoughtless motorists dear but it also acts as a clear reminder that the restrictions which are in place to improve our public transport system and local environment apply to all drivers."

Paul Ratcliffe, parking services manager, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, said:

“The successful implementation at the first five locations has shown how enforcement can quickly alter driver behaviour and ensure smoother traffic flows. The system has run flawlessly now for nine months 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

David Richmond, CEO of Videalert, said: “We are delighted that this installation has been such a success and look forward to working with Bradford MDC at these additional locations.”

Notes for editors

¹ Department of Transport, Road Statistics 2008: Traffic, Speeds and Congestion, at:

DfT

CCTV cameras will record every vehicle that uses a bus lane 24 hours a day seven days a week. The offences will then be reviewed daily by a civil enforcement officer and if an offence is confirmed a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued by post. The Penalty Charge Notice will be £60 reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

About Videalert

Videalert delivers smart solutions for traffic and car park management and perimeter security and surveillance. Video Analytics uses intelligent analysis of CCTV images and video to help camera operators become more efficient and able to handle many more cameras and incidents. Operators no longer have to monitor tens or hundreds of screens but can focus solely on the areas where an incident has been reported. 

Videalert is based in London and is a privately held company.

Press contact: David Brocklebank – Videalert Ltd, 020 8429 6802