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Kincardine runs pilot program with GPS units on snowplows
By Liz Dadson |
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Kincardine is dabbling in new technology this winter by installing GPS (Global Positioning System) units on snowplows to improve vehicle tracking. In committee-of-the-whole Wednesday night (Nov. 3), public works manager Jim O'Rourke said the "short-range, in-yard" technology is being proposed because it does not require a licence, as do the use of satellite phone technology or use of a private two-way radio system. Fees for satellite and two-way radio would be about $1,000 per month, he said. Their advantage is that they provide "real time" images on the screen. The short-range, in-yard technology simply downloads onto the computer at the end of the day and displays using Google Earth. The pilot project would cost $5,685 to equip one base station in Ward 1, one plow truck in each of Wards 1 and 2, and one sidewalk plow, said O'Rourke. "If the program proves to be feasible, the remainder of the fleet would be equipped at an additional cost of $13,000 to $15,000, subject to budget approval in future years (2012)," he said. This year's expenditure will be funded from the proceeds of the auctioning of redundant equipment ($6,815), said O'Rourke. A GPS would provide a reliable log of road maintenance activities in digital form, indicating vehicle tracking with time and location; vehicle speed and direction; and excess idling time and location, O'Rourke said.
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In addition, "on-board systems" would record whether the plow was up or down, and whether the salt/sand spreader was on or off. "This information would be maintained in digital form and available to use in defense of the municipality against complaints, potential claims or lawsuits," said O'Rourke. "This digital evidence has become the norm in the insurance business and in the courts." He added that $20,000 is a small price to pay if the municipality were faced with a $2-million claim. If the entire fleet were outfitted, it would mean a base in each yard - in Wards 1, 2 and 3 - and GPS units on all equipment, said O'Rourke. In council session, the pilot project was approved. O'Rourke said the units will be installed within the next couple of weeks. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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