The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

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L-R: Mark Harries, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd and Pete Hutchinson, Managing Director at The Traffic Group

 

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters.

In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, who designed the project, and contractors EG Carters in Gloucester – the new building has been purposefully designed to prioritise sustainability and long-term functionality. The new development will offer the Group a versatile workspace capable of evolving alongside the future demands of the transport technology industry.

Senior team members from the family-run business became a permanent part of the building’s legacy by scribing their names and a message from The Traffic Group. Pete Hutchinson, Managing Director, Maxine Hutchinson, Executive Director and Phil Hutchinson, Operations Director, were joined by representatives from RRA Architects, Hydrock, WWA and E G Carter and Co Ltd, who also left their imprint.

“We’re excited to mark the next stage in the project and have been impressed at the efforts of our partners in bringing our vision of the building to life. The new facility will not only enhance our service delivery and operational capabilities but also create a new social space for colleagues to come together,” says Pete Hutchinson. “Additionally, we wanted to establish a campus-style facility that fosters long-term business growth. As we celebrate the construction of our new and eco-conscious workspace, we look forward to a future where innovation, sustainability and growth are at the heart of everything we do.”

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

The new building, which comprises a large warehouse facility and office space, has been designed with air source heat pumps and 45kW PV solar panel arrays, creating a carbon-positive workspace that uses surplus energy generation to power older buildings on the estate. It was designed by registered B-Corp firm RRA Architects.

Pete Nickols, Associate at RRA Architects comments: “This has been a very exciting project to be involved in, with some challenging conditions to resolve at both planning and building regulations stage. Now that the steel frame is in place (and signed!), momentum is gathering and it’s exciting to see the plans coming to life. RRA Architects is thrilled to be involved in this project and to be part of a fantastic team!”

The project was awarded to a local construction firm, E G Carter & Co Ltd, who have previously worked with the Group and have recently extended the manufacturing facility located within the site.

Mark Harries, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, says: “We are delighted to be working with The Traffic Group again, which continues our longstanding relationship with the business. This project involves the creation of a first-class warehouse and office facility, with sustainability at the forefront of the design.”

The project is expected to be completed in July 2024.

AGD radar and AI detector to take centre stage at Highways UK

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Two ITS solutions that continue to lead the way will be on display at an upcoming event.

Highways UK is one of the major dates in AGD’s annual calendar, and this year we’ll be taking along examples of our AGD343 and AGD650 solutions – which are being increasingly used at sites across the UK as well as further afield too.

The AGD343 is our class-leading highways monitoring radar which has the capacity to provide real-time data for up to ten lanes from just 2m away from the nearest lane. Enforcement-grade radar and sophisticated techniques measure the speed, range and length of passing vehicles in all weather conditions.

A real win for safety, capability and efficiency on highways; so, it’s no wonder the AGD343 has attracted the attention of transport authorities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Qatar, where the radar was deployed in large numbers along the FIFA Travel Corridors for the 2022 World Cup.

And the AGD650 is our very latest solution, having launched full production earlier in 2023. It’s a dual zone stop-line detector which makes intersections more efficient using in-built artificial intelligence (AI).

Its neural processing platform and sophisticated algorithms provide automated decision-making equalling ultra-reliable detection.

The AGD650 is already proving hugely popular given its capabilities, especially at locations where there are specific needs such as cycling lanes intersecting traffic, bus priority lanes or all-red clearance at junctions.

And of course, the team will be more than happy to discuss specific needs with Highways UK visitors – as we have a plethora of solutions focused on traffic and pedestrian control, highways, and enforcement, all backed up by our 30+ years as one of the UK’s leading ITS manufacturers.

Click here more information about Highways UK, which takes place on October 18th and 19th at the NEC in Birmingham. Attendees can visit for free, and you can find us at Stand 73 alongside the team from our sister company Traffic Group Signals.

AGD Systems strengthens commercial team with new appointment

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A leading ITS manufacturer, AGD Systems, has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Kieran Corbally as Senior Commercial Manager.

Kieran Corbally brings more than 20 years of sales experience and completed the International Leadership Development Academy run by Swarco UK & Ireland Ltd as part of his previous role.

Kieran – who enjoys Formula 1 and plays golf in his spare time –  said: “My personal goal is to ensure every client is treated the same way and afforded the same effort. I believe in always going the extra mile for a client to ensure they achieve the best solution available.”

During his time in the ITS sector has seen a growing emphasis on cleaner cities and the rise of AI technology to help enhance data streams.

He believes the innovations AGD have brought to the market, including the AI-powered AGD650 will be instrumental in guiding the way.

Alongside this future-focused way of thinking, AGD’s reputation was a driving factor in joining the team for Kieran: “Everyone in the industry has got the highest level of respect for AGD and the innovative solutions they provide.”

”Our goals and ambitions for the future are very much aligned and I look forward to contributing to the future success of the business.”

Initially, Kieran will be focused on getting to know his colleagues, the client base and familiarising himself with The Traffic Group and its companies.

“To me it is very important to understand what the market is looking for both now and in the future. I am very keen to listen to and collaborate with clients old and new and help shape a future driven by the ever-changing demands of the industry. AGD have the people and the talent to help develop products for the future but we need the in-depth knowledge of the wider industry to help with these conversations.”

AGD’s Commercial Director Ian Hind believes Kieran will be a great asset when it comes to the continued development and growth of the team, adding: “Kieran’s extensive sales background, in particular his knowledge of the ITS sector, is certain to prove invaluable as we continue to strengthen our relationships with local authorities and transport decision makers not only in the UK, but also around the globe.”

“We’re excited to welcome Kieran to the team, and we look forward to introducing him to our UK and International partners.”

AGD Systems get set for Traffex with AGD650 on display

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This week marks an important occasion in the UK ITS calendar, with Traffex taking place at the NEC Birmingham – beginning tomorrow (Tuesday 6th June).

Visitors will be find out more about AGD Systems’ range of solutions, including the AGD650. The team will be on hand at stand D12 – next to representatives from our sister company Traffic Group Signals – throughout the three-day event, ready to showcase the 650’s performance and attributes, as well as sharing all the information you need on any of our ITS solutions.

It’s the first time the 650 dual lane stop-line detector has been on display at a major event since full-scale production launched earlier in 2023, following successful trials across England, Scotland and Wales.

Commercial Director Ian Hind says: “Traffex is one of the key dates in the year for AGD, giving us an opportunity to network and share with both new and existing contacts the developments and product improvements we’ve made since the last show.

“It’ll be the first outing for the 650 since it went into full production, representing an exciting opportunity for Traffex visitors to learn more about the AI technology used and the data capabilities possible going forward.

“We look forward to welcoming you to stand D12!”

About the AGD650:

The AGD650 is a smart detector which makes intersections and junctions more efficient by delivering robust vehicle detection data at the stop-line of multi lane approaches. Its in-built artificial intelligence processes information on board to optimise performance and provide ultra-reliable detection, with a new neural processing platform and sophisticated algorithms providing automated decision making.

About AGD Systems:

Launched more than three decades ago in Cheltenham, England, AGD Systems has become one of the UK’s leading ITS manufacturers and is trusted by highways authorities across the world because of its commitment to innovation, quality and globally compatible solutions. AGD’s products for smart cities, smart highways and strategic transport initiatives are suitable for the ever-changing needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow. Whether it’s traffic and pedestrian detection or highways monitoring and enforcement, AGD’s experts have a range of products which are easy to integrate and maintain.

Useful Links:

For more information about the 650 including key features, applications and product manual, click here.

To see videos of the 650 in action, visit this page.

To read more details about the successful trials carried out across the UK, see here.

And finally, if you’ve not yet registered for your free Traffex ticket, you can do so on the event website.

Earth Day’s a chance to reflect on AGD’s environmental journey

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Every year, Earth Day is marked across the world in a bid to highlight use of the globe’s natural resources and the steps we can all take in preserving the environment.

As well as attending or hosting events on the day itself (April 22nd), the awareness day encourages us all to think every single day about the impact that we’re having on the globe.

It’s a topic which is incredibly important to us as a company – and across the wider Traffic Group – and we’ve taken numerous environmental strides over the years.

Commercial Director Ian Hind explains: “At AGD, we not only want to mitigate and eradicate any negative impacts we could have as a company upon the environment; we’re also committed to exploring the ways we can go further than this, and ensure we positively affect our local environment and the wider world.

“We’re proud of the efforts we have already made but we’re not going to stop there – environmentalism is a journey and it’s one that we will continue to take, searching for new and innovative processes and procedures which will benefit the globe.

“As well as reviewing the ways in which we undertake our work here at AGD, we also see a crucial link between our environmental policies and our products themselves.

“By reducing the likelihood of traffic build-up, and by encouraging sustainable travel – such as walking and cycling – by ensuring junctions and crossings are safer to use, we can play our part in reducing the emissions associated with transportation – all the while encouraging local authorities and traffic planners to do the same.

To mark 2023’s Earth Day, we wanted to share five key milestones in our environmental journey:

UK trials show reliability of new traffic detector with inbuilt AI

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An innovative new traffic detector has been trialled by traffic authorities across the UK.

The first ever AGD650s manufactured by AGD Systems were sent to local authorities so they could trial the dual zone stop line detector, which makes use of AI technology.

The 650 was specifically designed to detect both moving and stationary targets in two independent user-adjustable zones, using a new neural processing AI platform with sophisticated algorithms and deep learning image recognition.

Among the local authorities which took part in the UK trials at the end of 2022 – ahead of wider production beginning this quarter – were Cardiff City Council and Glasgow City Council.

In Cardiff, the 650 was used at a site where a cycle lane intersected a busy road: the technology previously being used wasn’t effectively detecting cyclists, and there was no function to cancel demand if a cyclist moved away from the crossing before the red light had been triggered for vehicles.

Paul Jones, City Operations Section Leader (Electrical) at Cardiff Council, said: “Previously, we’d spoken to a number of cyclists who felt they weren’t being detected by the old product as they approached the junction. Since the AGD650 has been in place, this has been greatly reduced.

“It’s important for the detector to be able to automatically cancel demands as often cyclists will proceed if the road is clear (sometimes on a red cycle signal), this results in other movements being delayed needlessly because the cyclist has already cleared the junction.

“We have a different detector (the AGD645) in place at a number of sites in the city, so we contacted AGD and that’s when they asked us if we’d like to trial the 650 at this junction. We have been really happy with how pro-active they are and the team’s communication, and they even came to install the detector and show the team how it worked.”

Two AGD650s were sent to Glasgow, the first sited at a junction where service vehicles exit from a pedestrian section of a road. The number of pedestrians in the area meant there were repeated false detections with previous detectors, so the 650 was set up to only trigger when four-wheel vehicles entered the detection zone.

At the second location, vehicles exit from a car park adjacent to a stop line which usually meant they weren’t being detected by the existing solution.

A council spokesman said: “The outcome of the trial was that the detector was 100% effective in both test locations. The technology has the capability of correctly identifying vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians – and giving an improved level of control for traffic signals which makes it more reliable and effective than traditional detectors.

“As the detector is more reliable, traffic signals are only triggered when required and this makes them more efficient and reduces lost time at junctions.”

Greg Baker, Commercial Manager at AGD, said the trials had highlighted the benefits of the AGD650 at a variety of junctions where there were very different existing detection challenges.

“During the development of the 650, our focus was ensuring accuracy of detection which – during the trials – has been shown to support the smooth running of traffic and reduce unnecessary wait times.

“Working with forward-thinking local authorities like Cardiff and Glasgow has allowed us to comprehensively trial the AGD650 before it goes into general production, providing an insight of how we can develop new features to support more complex traffic control applications going forward.”

For more information about the 650, visit www.agd-systems.com/agd_product/650-dual-lane-stop-line-detector.

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A UK manufacturing firm has proved its health and safety practices meet international standards.

AGD Systems has achieved ISO45001 accreditation after a number of independent audits showed their working methods were of the highest calibre when it comes to health and safety.

The firm – which has been running for three decades, developing and manufacturing ITS product solutions for the global market – had already been accredited to ISO9001 (quality) and ISO14001 (environmental) standards for a number of years.

But this year they decided to complete the trio of gold-standard accreditations and took just weeks to secure the third certificate.

Quality Manager Martin Smith explains: “We have always prioritised health and safety and, for the last ten years, we’ve had a committee comprising of members from every AGD department who meet regularly to make suggestions and bring employees’ views to the management team.

“So when we applied for the ISO45001 accreditation, this involved auditing our existing manuals and instructions to ensure that the work we were doing – and how this was explained in those manuals – matched the expectations of the ISO standard.

“We went through 70 different processes to ensure the wording of each was correlated with requirements. This was followed by three audits by a third party (NQA) who checked everything was being done properly. We were very satisfied with how quickly we were able to achieve this new accreditation, and that no issues were highlighted during the audits.”

AGD will now have a selection of their processes audited every year, following by a full re-accreditation process every fourth year.

Martin added: “We are confident that having all three ISO standards will reassure new clients across the globe that we take quality, the environment, and health and safety extremely seriously and will continue to work to those high standards.

“While most of our customers hold all three certificates, it’s unusual for a company of our size in the ITS sector to have all three. We are very proud of the AGD team for their continued work to ensure we are leading the way when it comes to meeting international standards.”

AGD Systems is one of the UK’s leading ITS manufacturers, offering a globally-acclaimed class-leading range of solutions for smart cities, smart highways and strategic transport initiatives – suitable for the ever-changing needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow. Visit www.agd-systems.co.uk to find out more.

Pedestrian signal solution to go on display at Saudi Expo

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One of AGD System’s leading pedestrian signal solutions will be on display at an international event later this month.

Saudi Controls, who have recently acquired more than 100 of our AGD946 Puffin products complete with tactile and sounders, will be displaying them for attendees at the Saudi Intermobility Expo 2022 from November 29th to December 1st.

Used across the world to improve safety and efficiency at crossings, the pedestrian nearside signal is a high-performance solution which combines a pedestrian nearside signal and demand unit. Interest also extends to the AGD947 Toucan signal for cyclists and pedestrians within active travel schemes.

The 946 includes a two-legend signal (red waiting man and green walking man) and a call accepted indicator, with an illuminated push button. Plus, the 946 is available in multi-language variants so it can be used by city authorities across the world.

Its unrivalled optical performance, with patented narrow field of view options, make it a top choice for those responsible for urban planning and the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.

AGD’s Commercial Director Ian Hind explains: “The AGD946 has many benefits, but three which are most highly rated in this region are proven reliability, compatibility with local controllers, and ease of installation and maintenance.

“We’re thrilled that visitors to the Saudi Intermobility Expo will be able to see the 946 up close, and we’d be delighted to hear from anyone who’d like to find out more – either about the 946 or about any of the other solutions we’ve brought to the pedestrian signal and detection market.”

For more detailed product specifications, simply click here.

Highways Radar and Stop-Line Detector on display at UK show

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Two of AGD’s product solutions are set to be stars of the show as the team joins the two-day Highways UK event.

Both the AGD343 and AGD650 will be on display, with the expert team on hand to discuss the capabilities of each.

The 343 is currently in use around the world – with more than 100 units having been installed in Qatar as part of the extensive highways upgrades ahead of the FIFA World Cup which kicks off in a few weeks. The product is also in use in Australia and Canada, as well as closer to home in Europe.

It’s a class-leading traffic flow Highways Monitoring Radar which offers an unrivalled alternative to outdated high maintenance loop systems. Among its benefits are the ability to place it just 2m from the nearest running lane, a position from which the radar is able to monitor up to 10 lanes of traffic – feeding back detailed information to control rooms. The enforcement grade radar monitors the speed, range and length of passing vehicles.

The second product on show at Highways UK is the AGD650, the very latest innovation from the ITS manufacturer.

Currently being trialled by a number of UK local authorities ahead of a global launch, the dual zone stop-line detector represents an exciting future opportunity to deliver a rich data stream on targets approaching intersections.

The smart, optical AI detector is designed to operate in single and dual stop-line configurations – detecting stationary and moving targets using high-grade optics and deep-learning image recognition. It is proving popular for active travel schemes where detection of cyclists and scooters is key to junction efficiency.

If you’d like to find out more about the 343 or 650, then do visit the team at stand K6 at Highways UK, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd November. Or if you’re unable to make the show but would like to speak to the AGD team at another time – simply email [email protected] and we’ll be in touch shortly.

AGD to take new stop-line detector to the JCT Symposium

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Visitors to an upcoming industry event will have the chance to see AGD’s latest product – a multi-lane stop-line detector.

Early AGD650 units are currently being deployed across city and local authority sites after initial testing showed an impressive precision accuracy rate – something which attendees at next week’s JCT Symposium will be able to find out more about.

The event takes place on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th September at Nottingham Trent University, bringing together traffic signal practitioners and manufacturers.

It’s been running since 1996, with the MOVA User Group taking place immediately before at the same venue. The two days are packed full of everything from networking opportunities and social events to conference style papers on topics including use of 5G and environmental credentials.

We’re proud to not only be attending, but also co-sponsoring the video element of the event.

The team – including Commercial Director Ian Hind and Commercial Manager Greg Baker – will be taking along a selection of our pedestrian suite and traffic detection products – including, of course, the 650.

Now just three months away from full-volume production, the AGD650 is the result of our determination to improve detection accuracy at red lights, particularly of bicycles and e-scooters. The final result (after extensive research, development and testing) is a smart, optical, dynamic environment detector which improves the efficiency of intersections and junctions by delivering robust vehicle data at the stop-line of multi-lane approaches.

The 650 has inbuilt artificial intelligence and makes use of a new neural processing platform and sophisticated algorithms to provide ultra-reliable real-time detection and automated decision making on vehicle types. Both stationary and moving targets are detected using high-grade optics and deep-learning image recognition.

To find out more about the JCT Symposium, you can click here.

Or there’s more information about the 650 here.