The Ethernet is used for the control signals for the PTZ camera movements. Two Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras are located at the closest junctions each side of the tunnel to monitor traffic flow leading into the tunnel. In the tunnel itself there are 110 cameras; 36 PTZ legacy cameras, 10 second generation PTZ’s and 66 fixed cameras.

PDS Limited is responsible for the design of the CCTV solution, the SCADA control system and system integration with a number of the other tunnel systems for the Hindhead project. Project Manager Gary Parker of PDS says, “The Hindhead tunnel is a benchmark project because this is the first time that a project of this kind is using a fibre optic backbone. The backbone is 1 Giga Bit per second and carries signals from all the various tunnel systems. The entire solution has been designed with future proofing in mind with build in redundancy - a minimum of 25% of the total capacity is reserved for future expansion, both for fibre backbone as well as for the transmission equipment. Future expansion in camera count can be facilitated using AMG’s drop and insert technology”.

“The tunnel is quite unique from the point of view that it is a dug tunnel rather than a bored tunnel. One of the challenges when designing the solution was to ensure that the system would meet current standards where possible, as well as meet first generation legacy requirements for the matrix. There were also space issues for mounting the second generation cameras, so we ended up using stainless steel metal mickeys on mil spec in order to use less physical space”.

“AMG’s transmission solution came very highly recommended, both from Tyco and from Chubb - who did six of the seven HA Regional Control Centres. The 3700 is perceived to be one of the best, if not the best transmission solution in the world. AMG was involved in the initial discussion with us and Chubb, but frankly, we have had very little reason to get in touch with them since the equipment was supplied because we have not experienced any issues. The factory acceptance test, which was completed last week, indicated that it’s a well designed, very capable and robust transmission system. We’re currently in the process of planning the commissioning on site which will commence early November 2010”, Gary Parker says.

The A3 Hindhead project is included in the Government's programme of major schemes. The project will complete the dual carriageway link between London and Portsmouth and remove a major source of congestion, particularly around the A3/A287 traffic signal controlled crossroads. The new road will be 6.5km (4miles) long and includes 1.8km (1.1miles) twin bored tunnels under the Devil's Punch Bowl. When completed, the A3 Hindhead project will deliver quicker, more reliable journeys on a safer road, and remove much of the present peak time "rat-running" traffic from unsuitable country roads around Hindhead. It includes the closure of the existing A3 around the Devil's Punch Bowl, bringing considerable environmental benefits to an internationally prized area. The centre of Hindhead will be freed from the daily gridlock that blights the area, with the result that the project will bring benefits to road users, local residents, and the highly prized environment. Work started in January 2007, the main tunneling works started in February 2008 and both tunnel bores broke through on 26 February 2009. The tunnel is planned to be open for traffic in the summer of 2011.