September 2, 2004
GPS and mobile data helps keep streets clean
The use of global positioning systems and mobile data is helping one local UK council keep the streets clean and meet EU targets on recycling, reports the The Guardian.
"Westminster City Council spends a staggering £32m a year on keeping its streets clean, more than any other UK local council. But it gets its money's worth thanks to global positioning systems and mobile technology.
New trucks are equipped with satellite global positioning systems (GPS) and general packet radio services (GPRS) modems for mobile data.
GPS cards plugged into small wireless computers in 90 Onyx trucks and 10 cage vehicles work out the location of each vehicle every 45 seconds, using a signal from the nearest satellite. This data is sent wirelessly over O2's mobile network into a database at Westminster.
Using this information, Westminster City Council can see where every van is and compare that with the times it is scheduled to collect rubbish - or bottles, plastics or paper for recycling," says Westminster's network director, Andrew Snellgrove. "As landfill sites are going to become harder to find, so we need to recycle as much as possible".
There are two main reasons why Westminster wants this information. First, it wants to ensure that Onyx is meeting the terms of its contract. Second, it wants data to make improvements".
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