Previously, it has been increasingly difficult for technology from different systems to communicate with each other. For example, Pips JTMS (Journey Time Measurement System) may not communicate all data to a traffic management system supplied by a third party, because they are designed and built in differing ways, using dissimilar software by different companies.

Pips was involved in a series of discussions with the industry body, UTMC, who wanted to create a suite of open standards to allow all traffic technologies to communicate with each other, so Pips software engineers drafted the UTMC interface for ANPR communications. Pips UTMC draft has since been approved by other companies within the industry and it is now available as a software option on Pips P382 SpikeHD and Pips P392 Spikelet ANPR cameras.

Since the interface has been completed Pips has supplied more than 40 of their UTMC Spikelet cameras to the NRA (National Roads Authority), in Ireland, for a project in conjunction with ITS Road Services and their sub-contractors, Electro Automation, one of Pips preferred partners. This project is one of the first, if not the first, UTMC compliant JTMS that has been installed in the UK & Ireland.

Pips are proud to work on this project with the main contractor ITS Road Services and Electro Automation, as the quality of their installations always allows Pips systems to work to the very best of their ability. Mark Lunnon, Sales Manager from Pips Technology said “Pips are always pleased to work alongside Electro Automation due to their high standards and professionalism. Pips enjoy a strong relationship with Electro Automation and it is one that I hope will continue long into the future.”

The new UTMC interface on Pips Spikelet cameras means the data from the cameras can be used with Pips JTMS, or any UTMC compliant JTMS. This then communicates travel time estimates via an XML Web interface to the NRA’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), which provides traffic information back to motorists using Variable Message Signs (VMS) and the NRA’s traffic information web site. All traffic data from Pips cameras can be communicated without any delays or disruption.

Paul Redfern, from IBI Group who was the consultant that worked with the NRA on the UTMC project said, “The NRA is extremely happy with the system which has been provided by Pips Technology and installed by ITS Road Services and Electro Automation. When we were reviewing this project ITS Road Services provided us with the most economically advantageous tender, based on Pips’ and Electro Automation’s products and services.”

John Lane, Director of Special Projects & ITS from Electro Automation said “Electro Automation has been pleased to work in partnership with Pips in the design and implementation of the on road installation for ITS Road Services . In meeting the demanding accuracy requirements of the NRA, Pips was the clear choice of technology partner for Electro Automation”.

Pips Technology has recently successfully won a second contract to extend the system further with another 40+ cameras through Electro Automation and ITS Road Services for the NRA.