Electronic potholes against speeders

Table of contents

Electronic potholes against speeders
manufacturer

counselor

traffic & business

Electronic potholes against speeders

Electronic potholes against speeders
Potential danger for two-wheelers?

Actibump – these are artificial potholes that were developed to remind drivers of speed limits that are too fast. But what about the two-wheelers?


Dina Dervisevic

07.06.2019

Compared to fixed speed bumps, the artificial pothole should not completely affect the flow of traffic, but only hit those who drive too fast. It is currently used in Sweden and Canada. In Germany, the city of Hanau wants to use this system to discipline high-speed drivers. The system has already been ordered and will be installed in late summer. We asked how the city assesses the potential danger for two-wheelers (including cyclists and e-bike riders) – especially when it is wet – and in which speed zones the system is used. As soon as we get an opinion on it, you can read it here.

Danger of slipping when wet even without a 60 mm “pothole”

The video also shows cyclists and motorcyclists. The cyclist drives past the “Actibump” to the side. The question arises: Especially with racing cyclists on the road – do the cyclists have a chance to see the flap unit in good time? How much space is there to the right and left of the system in a lane? In Sweden there is a warning of every electronic pothole so that cyclists can avoid the metal surface in good time.

For motorcyclists: In our opinion, there is a risk of slipping on the metal lid when it is wet, even if the motorcyclist adheres to the speed limit. We have requested a statement from the Swedish manufacturer Edeva, which we will publish here as soon as it is received.

This is how the artificial potholes work

A flap unit embedded in the roadway is coupled to induction loops or a radar unit via a control unit. The latter determine the speed of the car. If the driver is too fast, the flap, which is embedded in the roadway, opens and an edge around 60 mm deep is created. When driving over the artificial pothole is clearly noticeable and is intended to “remind” the driver of the current speed limit.


Electronic potholes against speeders


Edeva

Free travel for ambulances and buses

Actibump could be deactivated by rescue vehicles via a transponder and longer vehicles such as local buses can also be recognized and the system remains inactive. With the help of appropriate sign systems, entire lanes can be released for buses, for example.

Furthermore, according to the Swedish manufacturer Edeva, Actibump can also be used in front of toll or customs stations and in areas where a lot of pedestrians walk between vehicles. In addition, the company points out that street cleaning and snow removal are not hindered as with bumps.

The costs for Actibump amount to around 45,000 euros for two lanes, the Swedish company estimates the service life with annual maintenance at ten to twelve years. Damage to the vehicle due to Actibump is not to be feared, provided the car is technically in order.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *