Overland Park uses video detection cameras at more than 100 intersections throughout the city.

These cameras use a software program to detect the presence of traffic, and let the signal controller at the intersection know that it should change at the next opportunity, to avoid making a motorist wait too long at a red light.

This technology replaces the older style of detection where the pavement was saw cut and electrical wires were placed in the area where traffic would be stopping.

The images from these cameras (left) can be seen at the traffic operations center.

The cameras only focus down on the immediate area where vehicles come to a stop. 

Engineers use the camera software to draw a "virtual detector loop" (seen in the picture as the green, blue and red "ladders").

When a vehicle drives into the field of view, or the "virtual detector loop," the camera knows that a car is waiting and can change appropriately.

The loop can detect where the car is, regardless if it is in the through lanes or the left turn lanes.

For more information, contact the Traffic Services division of the Public Works Department at pwtraffic@opkansas.org.