From the Rural ITS Toolbox report: Subsection 3.1 Emergency Vehicle Traffic Signal Preemption
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Summary Information
Several intersections in British Columbia, Canada, were equipped with emergency vehicle preemption systems to improve emergency response. The system deployed consists of digital siren detectors installed at intersections to detect emergency vehicles as they approached from up to one-half mile away. When a siren is detected, the signal preemption phase is activated, giving a green light to the approaching emergency vehicles. The amount of green light extension is preset between 5 and 45 seconds. Cross walk “Don’t Walk" signs are preprogrammed to begin flashing, and a visual verification system is activated to notify emergency vehicle drivers that preemption is triggered. The visual verification system consists of a set of blue and white lights mounted near the regular traffic lights at each intersection. The white light indicates preemption granted in that direction of travel. The blue light indicates that the intersection is being controlled by an emergency vehicle approaching from another direction.
The costs per intersection is $4,000 Canadian dollar. Discounts for equipping multiple intersections apply. No equipment is required on the emergency vehicle provided it is fitted with a siren.
Rural ITS Toolbox
Cost: $4,000 per intersection.