Surveillance on the N4 route is mostly comprised of analog cameras and DVRs. Swapping out antiquated analogue equipment for IP surveillance across 630 kilometres poses a monumental challenge in and of itself without factoring in the need for a seamless transition without disturbing daily toll operations.

Commissioned by Trans Africa Concessions (TRAC), Vivotek collaborated to provide a solution, with system integrator, Africa Technology Operations and Maintenance (ATOM), to upgrade and replace hundreds of cameras on the N4 Toll Route. This included upgrading from many individual DVRs to a centrally managed system using Vivotek’s Vast 2 software. A total of 130 Vivotek 2-megapixel IP9165-LPR-A Kit cameras were installed for license plate recognition (LPR) on the N4. These cameras are outdoor-ready with IP68 and IK10 rated housings, and their anti-glare capabilities enable crystal-clear LPR across two lanes at speeds up to 90 km/hr.

Additionally, 105 Vivotek IB9387-HT cameras were installed at N4 toll booth lanes to provide overview surveillance coverage. The 5-megapixel, hi-resolution IB9387-HT outdoor bullet cameras offer effective image quality at 30/60 fps in 1080P. They are also equipped with IR illuminators for up to 50 metres of night visibility. Both the IP9165-LPR-A kit and IB9387-HT cameras serve dual functions of surveillance and detection, effectively minimizing financial loss from intentional and unintentional incidents.

Furthermore, 105 Vivotek IT9389-H cameras were installed inside toll booths along the N4 to record high-quality audiovisual data as evidence in case of disputes. The 5-megapixel IT9389-H outdoor turret cameras feature Vivotek’s Supreme Night Visibility (SNV) and 120dB WDR Pro, ensuring hi-res images at 30 fps any time of day.

Cost benefit trade-off

Vivotek provided an excellent cost/benefit trade off for the client. The N4 Toll Route was able to replace their old system of analogue cameras and DVRs with a network of high-resolution LPR cameras and 5-megapixel surveillance cameras consolidated into a seamless IP surveillance system using the Vast 2 central management software. VAST 2 simplified the management of the cameras while providing end-user analytics. The entire system with all peripheral benefits was achieved at a competitive price point compared to various others that were also considered.