Lichfield City Council embarked on a three-year pedestrianisation project aimed at revitalising the city centre. The initiative focused on two core goals: improving the environmental quality of the area and increasing footfall to support local businesses.
The Challenge
A key element of the project involved restricting general vehicle access while still allowing essential entry for deliveries, permit holders, and blue badge holders. To manage this, the Council introduced automatic rising bollards at three strategic entry points.
Initially, road loop detection was considered, but the existing surface conditions and anticipated maintenance requirements made it an unsuitable choice. A camera-only solution was also evaluated, but it lacked the level of efficiency and reliability needed for such a high-traffic, safety-critical environment.
The Solution
The Council selected the AGD650 radar detector as the preferred solution for controlling the bollards. The AGD650 offered more precise and dependable detection capabilities than the alternatives, making it ideal for managing safe vehicle access in a busy pedestrian area.
Its configuration plays a critical role in the access system: Zone 1 activates the intercom when a vehicle approaches, allowing the driver to request entry. Zone 2 ensures the bollard remains lowered until the vehicle has fully cleared the passage, preventing accidental damage or obstruction.
Expert Implementation
To ensure a smooth rollout, Dean Jarvis, Commercial Engineer, was on-site throughout the installation phase. With his in-depth knowledge of the AGD650, he fine-tuned the setup at each of the three entry points, carefully configuring the radar zones to maximise performance and ensure operational safety.
Results
The system has proven highly effective, providing secure, automated access for authorised vehicles without disrupting the pedestrian-friendly environment. Lichfield has already seen an uptick in footfall, and local businesses are benefitting from the more inviting, traffic-calmed city centre. The AGD650 has delivered a reliable and efficient access control solution that supports the Council’s wider vision for a greener, more vibrant urban space.