CrossingGuard's Video Wins Over Digital Still Cameras in Automated Red Light Enforcement Comparision
Providence, R.I.--Dec. 13, 2001--Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. (NTS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestor, Inc. (OTC: NEST), today announced that the City of Irvine, CA has chosen CrossingGuard(R) to expand their automated red light enforcement and intersection safety program for at least eight of the City's high-traffic intersection approaches. CrossingGuard emerged as the solution of choice after the City conducted a pilot program where two systems were installed and the features and performance of CrossingGuard's video technology were compared to those offered by a competitive digital camera and loop-dependent system. The pilot intersection in Irvine was NTS' first CrossingGuard installation in California. Since then, CrossingGuard has been recognized as the next generation of automated enforcement technology and selected by several California cities, including Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga, Fresno and Montclair.
Unlike loop-dependent, still-film systems, CrossingGuard uses patented, advanced video-processing technology to detect and track vehicles as they approach an intersection, record a full-motion red light violation video sequence, and transmit the video evidence electronically, in real-time, from the roadside to NTS' citation processor and the Irvine police department. When a violation is predicted, CrossingGuard not only records a full video sequence of the violation, but it also sends an emergency request to the traffic controller to extend the all-red phase for cross traffic so that an innocent driver does not enter the intersection when a red light violation is imminent. (This brief extension is defined by the city's traffic engineering experts during system installation.) There is no signal change for the violator; the full context violation video sequence is recorded, and a collision may have been averted.
"Our pilot program proved very valuable, affording us the opportunity to conduct a `head to head' comparison of two different technologies for the same traffic safety problem. In the end, it was CrossingGuard and its video evidence that impressed us - and our court's judges," said Sgt. Denny Jenner, Irvine police department. "One judge commented on the `start to finish' violation video evidence saying, `I no longer have to rely on officer or violator testimony, I am now the independent witness - like I was standing on the curb watching the violation.' With such a level of fair and objective evidence, coupled with its unique collision avoidance feature, CrossingGuard delivers the enforcement features and safety benefits that we are looking for to address our red light running problem and improve overall intersection safety."
Once a violation is detected, the CrossingGuard cameras begin recording a 3 - 5 second, high-resolution video sequence of the violation, capturing the full context of the incident. The video evidence includes a rear view of the vehicle behind the stop line with the red-light signal in view - as seen from the driver's vantage point. The sequence continues with the vehicle in the intersection and a close-up image of the front and/or rear of the violating vehicle that clearly captures the license plate and a close-up image of the driver, as required by law. Violation videos are transmitted securely, in real-time, from the intersection to the processor and/or police department. Through NTS' patented system, law enforcement is able to view the violation video and make the violation/no violation decision based on the instant replay video evidence. Once approved by law enforcement, a citation is printed and issued to the violator. CrossingGuard's comprehensive and objective evidence adds a level of fairness that law enforcement, courts, and even violators, can support. The violation video evidence is available for violator and court review.
About Nestor Traffic Systems
Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestor, Inc. and headquartered in Providence, RI, is an emerging leader in providing innovative, video-based monitoring systems and services for traffic management and safety. Its products incorporate advanced video processing technology into intelligent, real-time solutions that promote traffic efficiency, intersection safety, and railway grade crossing monitoring. All products are sold direct and by selected partners worldwide. For more information, call 401-331-9640 or visit www.nestor.com.
Certain information in this press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the Company believes that the expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved.
CrossingGuard is a registered trademark of Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.