Bamberg, Germany, Deploys Federal Signal PIPS System

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill., Sept. 29, 2008 - Bamberg, in the German State of Bavaria, is well known for its rich medieval heritage. A network of winding lanes, narrow alleyways, small cobblestone streets and more modern roads challenges some of the 300,000 residents and visitors that trek into historic Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, each year to enjoy its shopping, street cafes and pubs. City officials turned to Federal Signal for its PIPS automated number/license plate recognition (ALPR/ANPR) system to manage traffic in the historic Sand Quarter.

"We would often have large vehicles and tour buses enter into the area. Being unfamiliar with the roadways, one wrong turn could result in their vehicle being unable to maneuver a tight turn. This would quickly result in traffic congestion and gridlock, frustrating both tourists and businesses in the area. We had to find a solution," said Thomas Beese, head of the City of Bamberg's Department for Urban Redevelopment.

Despite the many roads inside the Bamberg World Heritage site, there are only two entry points available to those who enter the Sand Quarter. The Federal Signal PIPS ALPR video and analytics-based system reads the license plates of vehicles approaching the area and compares the license plates to the list of authorized vehicles maintained by the City.

"The target was the dream of all planners in historic cities: Optimal accessibility for authorized vehicles combined with minimization of disturbing unauthorized traffic. The system is working very effectively," said Beese. He concluded that reduced traffic in the World Heritage site makes it safer and easier for tourists to walk Bamberg's streets and enjoy the medieval and baroque atmosphere of the historic city.

"Our Federal Signal PIPS ALPR technology enables some of the world's largest intelligent traffic management systems for congestion management and charging, and we are delighted to help Bamberg's city leaders solve their traffic challenges, while they take progressive measures to preserve and protect their unique historic community," stated Michael K. Wons, vice president and general manager of Federal Signal's Public Safety Systems Division.