ETC, Sanral want to monetise road-user data
Some 4 000 traffic cameras track traffic patterns and quickly detect road users who require emergency assistance.
The company which manages e-tolls and Sanral wants to find ways to monetise road-user data, possibly by selling it to private companies.
This data is procured by some 4 000 traffic cameras that form part of the e-toll system.
Placed along the Gauteng open road tolling network in 2008, these cameras track and monitor road users 24 hours a day.
Real-time video footage from these cameras is used to monitor traffic patterns and help motorists avoid congestion.
The cameras also quickly detect road users who require emergency assistance, with response services able to reach vulnerable road users within eight minutes.
This was highlighted earlier this week when Johannesburg metro police arrested two armed men who reportedly stole a vehicle on the N3.
Video footage shared by Sanral on Tuesday shows it tracking the alleged hijackers until the metro police officials catch up with them.
ALSO READ: Premier promises to scrap e-tolls – again
This is just one of many smart technologies offered by the Gauteng freeway improvement project, according to Electronic Toll Collection (ETC).
The company said it was busy working with Sanral to find ways of monetising the data it collects on road-users.
“ETC believes people will opt-in to share information about their behaviours which will be used to provide just-in-time services,” it said in a statement.
“These services will be tailored to specific people or groups of people. The real challenge for smart cities is to be able to share knowledge and data.”
Developments like average speed over distance technology will make ETC’s data even more valuable since users will be able to pinpoint traffic behaviours and travel patterns.
“Data from the Gauteng open road tolling project is extremely valuable because it predicts these patterns.”
“It knows where people live, the times they leave their homes and workplaces and even gives us clues into their lifestyles.”
“This will allow for tailor-made solutions to be developed for the public.”
Two armed hijackers caught by Sanral cameras. They were watched like hawks until the Johannesburg Metro Police could find them. We are #BeyondRoads pic.twitter.com/s5Elay3Pvz
— SANRAL (@SANRAL_za) July 9, 2019
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Scrapping e-tolls could cost thousands of jobs – ETC
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