Karl
Engineer, Intelligent Transport Systems
I joined Atkins Intelligent Transport Systems in autumn 2005, having gained a Masters degree in Physics at the University of Kent. The first project I became involved in was a motorway trial of a new design of vehicle detector for the Highways Agency.
The design under test uses fibre optic technology to detect the axles of the vehicles as they pass over a sensor. Unlike traditional inductive loop detectors, fibre optic sensors are passive so they require no electrical infrastructure at each detector site. As a result they are cheaper and easier to install and could potentially be used in areas where power is difficult or expensive to supply.
We installed our first set of trial sensors on the M6 near Stafford and more trials are due to be carried out as the project progresses.
Our role as project consultants is to evaluate the data recorded from the sensors to see if it is possible to accurately record information regarding the vehicle wheelbase, the type of vehicle, its speed and its gross weight - all during one pass. Future developments could see this technology used for enforcement applications although at this time the focus is primarily around traffic management.
I have been responsible for organising on-site accommodation for equipment, completion of civil works prior to installation, invoicing, purchase orders and managing the Health & Safety file for the project – all of which gives an indication of the level of responsibility a graduate joining Atkins should expect. I have also had extensive contact with contractors and was present during the overnight installation of the trial sensors.
I have enjoyed my time with Atkins and look forward to working on a variety of different projects throughout my career.