Remote Controlled Traffic

With this remote control device, Pol Sen Sgt-Maj Sorasit Boontam can now man the traffic light control system from outside his booth. SOMCHAI POOMLARD.

A big problem for Bangkok traffic police is trying to catch those who violate the law while at the same time controlling the traffic lights. Their priority has to be the traffic lights because their main job is to keep the very congested city traffic flowing as best they can.
One city policeman, Pol Sen Sgt-Major Sorasit, saw this as a challenge. He quickly realised the solution was an easy one. What he needed was a remote control for traffic lights similar to the ones we use for our home televisions. With no such device available, he decided to make his own.
In talking with remote control dealers, he found out his idea was not quite as simple as he had envisioned.

“Generally, conventional infrared system controls work in a 30-metre radius,” Pol Sen Sgt-Major Sorasit explained. “That’s not enough. From the dealers’ recommendations, I came across controls that operate using radio frequencies and thus have a range of up to 100 metres.”

He tested his traffic controller over the Songkran holiday with great success. It is a very practical device he said. At a little more than 1,000 baht it is inexpensive and repairs should be cheap too since it is made of easy-to-find items.

For this city policeman at least, the problem of two jobs in one has been solved.
“When I was on duty alone, I could not leave the booth to arrest anyone who broke the law because I had to control the traffic lights,” he says. “But with the remote, that problem is gone. “ I can now say ‘I got you’ when I see a motorist violate the regulations.”