Monitoring incidents on busy UK roads is quicker where fixed cameras cannot be installed. WJ Group’s AVERA system identifies stopped vehicles and irregular events without the need for roadside infrastructure.
Active alerts from multiple data feeds
AVERA, which stands for Active Vehicle Event Recognition Alerts, uses several data sources combined with defined confidence levels to detect and highlight potential incidents. Alerts are sent to WJ’s control room so operators can respond swiftly. The system is designed for locations where installing CCTV is difficult, such as narrow verges or temporary traffic management schemes.
Supplementing existing monitoring methods
The system complements existing CCTV and radar setups by filling gaps in coverage. It provides a live alert board and a scheme overview, offering clear situational awareness. This supports faster decision-making and escalation, enhancing safety for road users and workers.
Faster recovery on UK projects
Trials demonstrate measurable improvements. On a month-long trial on the M4 junction 37/38 temporary works, AVERA identified 73 incidents. Recovery times were around 20% shorter on average, with some cleared up to 40% faster. On the A47 Tuddenham project, it monitored a 58-mile diversion over two full weekend closures, providing data on journey times, delays, speeds and incident hotspots.
Rapid deployment without civil works
The system requires no civil engineering work, unlike fixed camera installations. Once start and end points are agreed, AVERA can be operational within 48 hours. This allows for quick configuration according to scheme needs, bringing immediate safety and operational benefits.
Improved safety and operational insight
Christopher D Hayball, Construction Manager at National Highways Midlands, said the system was ideal for the A52 Queens Medical Centre to Priory Island scheme, where CCTV installation was not feasible. He noted that AVERA's accuracy helped pinpoint a broken-down vehicle quickly, reducing disruption and aiding recovery operatives to return home safely.
Tom Howarth, Head of WJ Sunstone, explained that the system was developed to maintain monitoring coverage in areas unsuitable for cameras. By applying cloud-based analytics to multiple data inputs, clients gain visibility that improves safety without the cost or complexity of fixed infrastructure.
AVERA’s web portal provides operators with scheme maps, historical data, analytics and downloadable incident reports, useful for ongoing review and compliance. The system holds UK Patent Application No. 2618275.8.
