In conjunction with Tunnel Holdings Pty (owner and operator of Sydney Harbour Tunnel), Laservision has developed and installed a radical new warning system that solves the persistent problem of drivers ignoring conventional signals to stop. The Laservision system creates the illusion of a solid surface that instantly blocks both southbound lanes, which makes the message impossible to miss.
Since opening, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel has endured over 10,500 traffic incidents ranging from breakdowns to fire. Delays and closures prove very costly, as the tunnel is a key access route for the city’s business district and eastern suburbs.
Although Softstop gives motorists a confronting message “STOP”, the product allows people and emergency teams to pass through without incident. Once the traffic has been brought to a stand still a second ‘physical barrier’ is utilised.
The Softstop solution was developed from Laservision’s Government endorsed Research & Development laboratory. Leading projection technologies were trialed during the research.
While Sydney Harbour Tunnel hasn’t endured a ‘major disaster’, precautions such as the Softstop barrier system are considered by the tunnel’s operator to be a key response mitigation strategy.
General manager of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Bob Allen, explained that in one incident: “We had a fire in the tunnel, motorists ignored the warning lights and signs and continued driving towards the fire. These drivers exposed themselves to smoke and toxic fumes from the fire and then, to compound the situation, they turned around (in a one way tunnel) and drove back out of the tunnel against incoming traffic. This fire was the catalyst for engaging Laservision to develop a solution.”
Laservision
Tel: +61 2 9658 1000
Email: info@laservision.com.au
Web: www.laservision.com.au
Laservision’s Softstop sign in use
