Sunderland is testing temperature sensors to provide detailed forecast data to its transport teams.
The 10 additional infra-red temperature sensors were added to the region’s roads ahead of this week’s arctic blast.
Alongside 3 existing weather stations, they are providing detailed forecast data to inform the city’s winter maintenance team to show the coldest locations.
“The real time data from the road temperature sensors feeds directly into the existing weather forecasts already provided by our forecasting service, DTN Roadmaster,” explained Andy Wilson, from the Environmental Services Winter Maintenance team at Sunderland City Council.
“DTN currently generate weather forecasts using the city’s existing advanced weather stations, and the addition of a further ten smart sensors will only strengthen our ability to ensure that priority and secondary routes across the city are monitored in the greatest detail, and are always optimally treated during periods of freezing winter cold.”
The sensors are connected to one of the City Council’s new wireless networks that is specially designed for transmitting low volume data over a wide area. Both have been provided as part of the city council’s strategic partnership with BAI Communications, as well as a new smart city data platform.
“Keeping the city moving, whilst prioritising the safety of our residents is our core aim. We know that cold or more severe weather can cause disruption and safety concerns, but we are better equipped than ever before to utilise digital technology to support the planning and implementation of solutions,” added Liz St Louis, Director of Smart Cities at Sunderland City Council.
