A new system will warn of damaged traffic signs and enhance transport safety

Researchers from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (FEECS) at VŠB–TUO are developing a system to monitor and detect the condition of temporary traffic signs as part of a project funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. The proposed solution, already being tested on selected expressways, relies on data analysis from a network of sensors installed on traffic sign poles. It can notify authorities of any displacement or damage in traffic restriction zones, allowing administrators to respond promptly and take corrective measures.

The ongoing innovation targets temporary traffic signs used in roadwork zones, including sets of signal lights, warning lights, and specific traffic sign configurations. “Our goal is to design and pilot a system capable of assessing the condition of traffic signs through sensors or camera footage, identifying any displacement, and, in the case of damage, evaluating its extent and recording the incident. To achieve this, we have developed and deployed a robust sensor network supported by detection and classification algorithms. We are currently in the pilot phase and continuing to refine the solution. I am working on the development in collaboration with the Ostrava-based company Mobility and Intelligence, which focuses on traffic monitoring and control systems,” explained Miroslav Vozňák from FEECS.

The two-year project, titled “Expert System for Remote Monitoring of Workstations at PK Using IoT and Advanced Image Processing Technology,” is set to conclude at the end of this year. It has been supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the DOPRAVA 2030 programme, which promotes applied research and innovation in transportation.