Automated speed monitoring system enhances safety across industrial and traffic sites

The system relies on image processing technology from German industrial camera manufacturer IDS Imaging Development Systems, which provides high-resolution image data for reliable detection of vehicle speed and number plates.

How the system works 

"We repeatedly see that internal safety rules are not enough to prevent dangerous driving. Intelligent systems are needed that not only record data but actively contribute to changing behaviour," explained Olly Samways, sales director at Westcotec. The Automatic Speed Watch Camera detects vehicles exceeding a defined speed limit and captures a high-resolution image. In addition to the licence plate, speed, date and time are recorded; while Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) integration provides further details such as make, model, and colour. Processing is radar-assisted and uses ANPR matching to reliably identify vehicle data.

The information is then structured, making it easy to interpret, export, and use for analysis. Repeated offences can also be detected and serve as the basis for targeted measures to improve driving behaviour. Data can be accessed via Wi-Fi or USB, managed remotely through the Westconnect platform, or automatically delivered by email. Secure Digital (SD) card recording eliminates the need for a laptop to always remain connected.

Precision and mobility combined

The core of the ASWC is an IDS uEye LE industrial camera. This camera features a 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor from e2v, offering highlight sensitivity and excellent image quality. It is available in mono, colour, and NIR variants. The ability to switch between global shutter and rolling shutter modes during operation ensures that fast movements are captured reliably and the camera adapts to changing lighting conditions. Up to four individually definable Areas of Interest (AOIs) can be set to evaluate specific image regions and capture multiple features simultaneously.

"The IDS technology gives us the flexibility we need. We can switch between different shutter modes to ensure every image is usable, whether in daylight or at dusk," Samways stated.

The ASWC is also compatible with USB3 and GigE Vision, providing fast and reliable data transfer. Large image files can be retrieved quickly, and the system maintains consistent performance even under high traffic. It can also be easily integrated into third-party systems for data analysis, alerting, or visualisation. This comprehensive hardware compatibility increases reliability, speeds up data handling, and allows seamless integration into modern digital site environments

Practical deployment and results

The ASWC is now used by UK police forces, local authorities, and private site operators, including logistics centres, industrial parks, and airport surroundings. Operators primarily aimed to reduce dangerous driving without adding extra personnel. Installation is straightforward: the device is set up, aligned, and ready to operate immediately. After implementation, users consistently report lower average speeds and significant improvements in compliance with internal safety standards. Automated data collection enables targeted measures such as traffic calming, structural adjustments, or internal training sessions.

The system is not intended as a deterrent or surveillance tool but as a preventive instrument that raises awareness and contributes to long-term safety. Its strengths lie in mobility, precise data collection, and seamless integration into existing systems. This not only enhances safety on site but also provides a foundation for strategic decisions that optimise operations and reduce risks over time.

Requirements are increasing: customers are asking for cloud-based access, flexible reporting tools, visual deterrence combined with covert enforcement, and scalable solutions for entire sites. Westcotec is responding with a roadmap that includes features such as access control, vehicle classification, dynamic hazard detection, and pedestrian protection. "We want to push the boundaries of image processing in traffic areas further by combining hardware performance with intuitive software to create safer environments," Samways concluded.

www.westcotec.co.uk