Smart camera to cut fire engine deployment delays

A smart camera has been installed at a busy junction in Hull to help the fire service respond more quickly to emergencies.

The camera, placed at the junction of Southcoates Lane and Rosmead Street, will help alert motorists more effectively when emergency vehicles leave East Hull fire station.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, of Hull City Council, which developed the initiative, said: "Following concerns raised by the station about access for emergency vehicles, we were determined to deliver a solution that would make a real difference."

He said the camera would help firefighters "exit the station safely and efficiently, reducing delays and supporting emergency responses across the city".

Until now, the station has relied on a wig-wag warning signal only, which temporarily stopped traffic while emergency vehicles left the site.

However, the system only halted traffic for 40 seconds, and due to traffic calming islands, parked cars, and a narrow road, traffic was often flowing again by the time the vehicles left the station and reached the junction.

On exiting the station, the new camera, which was installed in partnership with traffic technology group SWARCO, will detect the emergency vehicle, and the Wig-Wag warning system will begin its start-up sequence sooner.

Craig Henry, from Humberside Fire and Rescue, said the new system was "a more reliable way of managing traffic movements" and gave motorists "clear warning that an emergency vehicle is approaching".

The council said the camera would only be operated in emergency situations and would not be used for enforcement purposes.

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