Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is installing a number of ‘machine learning’ traffic counting and classifying cameras across the state.
Images of heavy vehicles are taken by the cameras, which then classify the type of vehicle in transit and the type of cargo being transported.
In a bulletin to industry TfNSW said the information collected helps to “shape the future of freight”, to better understand freight movements, improve road safety, and enable more efficient deliveries.
The cameras are not used for enforcement or monitoring people or private vehicles, said TfNSW.
Truckies can expect to see cameras installed at the following locations over the coming weeks:
- Newell Hwy x Lizard Dr/Old Brewery Rd, Narrandera
- Sturt Hwy x Gilenbah Creek, Narrandera Intersection
- Newell Hwy x Gillenbah Creek Rd, Gillenbah
- Sturt Hwy x Forest Dr, Gillenbah
- Newell Hwy x Silo Rd, Tocumwal
- Newell Hwy x Old Adcocks Rd and Murray St, Tocumwal.
According to the fact sheet on the cameras’ webpage, there is a radar sensor and camera on the unit that takes a picture of the heavy vehicles when certain criteria are met.
After the picture is taken, artificial intelligence within the unit can tell the difference between different types of heavy vehicles, for example, a container carrying heavy vehicle, B-double or semi-trailer.
The units are also able to track changes in load. If a shipping container truck entered a location carrying one container and left with two containers the platform contains a record of this change.
Aside from the above locations, TfNSw says similar cameras can also be found at:
- Cockfighters Bridge, Wollombi Brook
- Thomas Mitchell Dr, Muswellbrook
- Kamilaroi Hwy/Waverley Road Railway Crossing, Werris Creek
- Curlewis Railway Crossing
- Sheahan Bridge (northbound only), Gundagai
- Foreshore Road, Port Botany, Sydney
- Hexham Bridge (South Bound only), Newcastle
- Stockton Bridge, Newcastle
- Tighes Hill Bridge, Newcastle
- Moorebank Road, Moorebank, Sydney.
For more information, visit the Machine Learning cameras webpage which includes a factsheet with details about what these units are and what they do.
If you have any questions or would like more information, you can contact the TfNSW project team at freight@transport.nsw.gov.au.