Weigh-in-Motion Sensors and Traffic Monitoring Systems. State of the Art and Perspectives

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensors allow the control of vehicle weights without disruption of traffic. By monitoring traffic and by reducing the number of overweight vehicles, the WIM sensors bring very important savings. This paper discusses the present status and developmental trends of weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies. Both commercial and new types of WIM sensors are presented. Strengths and weaknesses of different type of WIM sensors are discussed. It is also presented the tendency to equip the WIM systems with different types of sensors, in order to evaluate other effects: reducing the fuel consumption, emission of pollutants, noise and vibrations, etc. Possible trends for the further development of WIM sensors are anticipated.