Police to reduce motorway closures with 3D laser scanning technology

Date: 29/12/2011

Police across England are to use 3D laser scanners at motorway crash sites in order to minimise disruption to drivers.

The devices enable officers to take a 3D image of a crash site in one take, rather than relying on multiple shots and surveys from investigators.

These images are then used to determine information such as distance between vehicles involved in the incident and the fast capture of the data enables officers to clear crash sites quickly, reducing road closures and delays.

A total of 37 scanners have been purchased using a £2.7 million Department for Transport grant given to 27 police forces and contributions from the National Policing Improvement Agency.

Roads Minister Mike Penning noted the new technology will help cut incident clear-up times by an average of 39 minutes, adding hours lost due to traffic jams cost the economy £1 billion.

"We are determined to improve the clear-up of accidents so we can get our motorways re-opened as quickly as possible," he added.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists welcomed the £2.7 million funding, with Director of Policy and Research at the body Neil Greig describing it as a "long-lasting Christmas present" for motorists.

Posted by Sarah Bailey