Technology can measure tread-depth, tyre pressure on the fly
ERJ staff report (DS)
London -- A new technology is available for measuring tyre pressure as well as tread-depth on moving vehicles. The ProContour system uses lasers and cameras to measure tread depth as a tyre passes over a sensing unit.
Data can then be sent to a team waiting further down the road who then have the option to stop vehicles with illegal or near-illegal tyres.
Each unit costs around £43 000 (euro 50 000). The system is temporarily fixed on the road surface and is capable of measuring, all at normal traffic speeds:
UK press reports have suggested that the UK police are investigating this as a possible technology for law enforcement, but a spokeswoman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said it is unlikely the UK would deploy the system as the data is not admissable in a court of law and the system is prohibitively expensive.
She said this is one piece of technology among many which one of their consultants observed as part of his brief to keep up to date with current developments.
This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Press release from ProContour
Tyre cameras revealed
Auto-Express (UK)
'Treadcam' sensor snares drivers that have tyres below legal limit
Metro (UK)
This article is only available to subscribers - subscribe today
Subscribe for unlimited access. A subscription to European Rubber Journal includes:
- Every issue of European Rubber Journal (6 issues) including Special Reports & Maps.
- Unlimited access to ERJ articles online
- Daily email newsletter – the latest news direct to your inbox
- Access to the ERJ online archive