RSF 130: Parking and Monitoring Camera System Enhancements

Abstract RSF 130, Parking and Monitoring Camera System Enhancements 10/1/2022-9/30/2026 The goal of this project is to expand and enhance the Parking and Monitoring Camera systems at existing weigh stations. These systems were initially installed to increase the safety of the unarmed commercial vehicle inspectors who operate the weigh station facilities. These systems perform multiple duties and are a tremendous benefit to everyone at the inspection facility. These systems are used to track the truck from the moment it enters the facility up until it exits. The cameras allow enforcement personnel to make sure the truck heads toward the parking lot as directed instead of continuing back toward the highway. The cameras allow enforcement personnel to monitor the driver in the parking lot to ensure they are not catching up their logbooks or disposing of any illegal substances. The cameras allow enforcement to determine who was driving when more than one person is in the vehicle. The cameras also provide a level of safety to the enforcement personnel to allow them to monitor the drivers before they exit the CMV to ensure they are not trying to bring a weapon into the facility. Actions such as failure to come into the facility when directed to do so, “catching up” on a logbook, switching drivers, and handling illegal substances or weapons, are all potential activities that can be identified using the Parking and Monitoring Camera systems. Identification of these activities can result in additional violations on inspections as well as enhanced safety for inspectors and officers. The objective of this project is to install additional parking and monitoring cameras and equipment at existing weigh stations to increase coverage of the facility. Increased coverage of the weigh station facility will allow enforcement to: • Monitor trucks driving down the ramp to ensure they obey the signage to park if requested, • Ensure that trucks park in the parking lot and do not leave before meeting with enforcement personnel, • Monitor CMV drivers to ensure they are not “catching up” on their logbooks, • Monitor CMV drivers to ensure they are not disposing of illegal substances before coming inside the weigh station to speak with enforcement personnel, • Monitor CMV vehicles to ensure that the person driving the vehicle is actually the person who enters the facility when stopped for a commercial vehicle inspection. Task 1: Identify and Prioritize Camera Needs - KTC researchers will meet with State Police staff at each weigh station to survey the site and determine the number of additional cameras that are needed to cover any problem areas or blind spots. The list of needs will be prioritized based upon the funding available and input from the project steering committee. It’s anticipated that we will be able to install one to three cameras at each weigh station. The location of these facilities are noted in the table below. Task 2: Purchase Equipment - KTC will purchase the camera equipment needed for all sites. Task 3: Install Additional Cameras - KTC will install additional parking and monitoring cameras while working with KSP-CVE to ensure that the cameras provide a comprehensive view to maximize the use of the system. Task 4: Conduct Training - KTC will work with enforcement personnel at each installation to ensure they understand how to use the additional camera technology. The training will consist of a one-day visit to the site with follow-up training as needed. Task 5: Prepare Summary Report - After completing Tasks 1-4, KTC staff will document all equipment that was installed and report that information to KYTC.