WeCount is a European project that enables citizens to initiate a policy-making process with fully automated measurement data in the field of mobility and air quality. The concept is simple: with a sensor in combination with a low-cost computer and software, anyone can measure the traffic and air pollution in his or her street. And with this measurement data, an individual citizen or a group of citizens can contact the local or regional government and advocate for more sustainable mobility in the area. We will empower local communities and schools with low cost sensors to monitor traffic volumes, speed and composition (cars, pedestrian, bikes and heavy vehicles) along with air pollution (particulate matter). We will also provide tools to analyse the data and produce policy proposals for more sustainable local mobility.
The sensors will provide evidence that local communities and schools can then use to demonstrate how their local areas are affected by high traffic volumes, speeding, high levels of air pollution etc. It will also provide evidence of the need for adequate infrastructure for more sustainable mobility by showing that the area has high numbers of people cycling while there might be no protected cycling lanes.
What you can do
You can lead a group in your local area to install monitors and gather the data need to make better informed decisions around sustainable mobility in your local area. As part of a ChangeX Partner funded Community Challenge, you can access the funding needed to buy the monitors (€500) and then work with the wider WeCount Network to analyse the data and take action.
WeCount is a European project that enables citizens to initiate a policy-making process with fully automated measurement data in the field of mobility and air quality. The concept is simple: with a sensor in combination with a low-cost computer and software, anyone can measure the traffic and air pollution in his or her street. And with this measurement data, an individual citizen or a group of citizens can contact the local or regional government and advocate for more sustainable mobility in the area. We will empower local communities and schools with low cost sensors to monitor traffic volumes, speed and composition (cars, pedestrian, bikes and heavy vehicles) along with air pollution (particulate matter). We will also provide tools to analyse the data and produce policy proposals for more sustainable local mobility.
The sensors will provide evidence that local communities and schools can then use to demonstrate how their local areas are affected by high traffic volumes, speeding, high levels of air pollution etc. It will also provide evidence of the need for adequate infrastructure for more sustainable mobility by showing that the area has high numbers of people cycling while there might be no protected cycling lanes.
What you can do
You can lead a group in your local area to install monitors and gather the data need to make better informed decisions around sustainable mobility in your local area. As part of a ChangeX Partner funded Community Challenge, you can access the funding needed to buy the monitors (€500) and then work with the wider WeCount Network to analyse the data and take action.
It's great to hear that you have created a WeCount project in Drogheda.
There are several options for purchasing the equipment. You can order it as a package from Gotron in Belgium. They offer an un-assembled kit:
https://www.gotron.be/projecten/leerpakketten/tmleuven/je-wil-graag-weten-hoeveel-en-welk-verkeer-er-door-je-straat-komt.html
And a pre-assembled kit:
https://www.gotron.be/projecten/leerpakketten/tmleuven/telraampakket-pre-installed-version-voorafgemonteerd-en-flashed-sd-kaart.html
If you order from Gotron make sure to tell them that you need a power adapter with a three pin (Irish style) plug.
Alternatively, you could order the components from an electronics supplier in Ireland. They are standard Raspberry Pi components, this link shows a list of what you would need:
https://telraam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026809852-Where-do-I-order-this-Telraam-
If you buy an un-assembled kit, assembling it is relatively easy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiO4BJAXnSg&ab_channel=IdeasforChange
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtWafiievfE&ab_channel=WeCount
But you would need to flash the software onto the SD car yourself:
https://telraam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028846211-Updating-the-Telraam-software-by-yourself
I have attached our step by step guide for setting up the traffic counter once it is assembled. Unfortunately, the layout is for printing it as a book, but hopefully it will make sense if you follow the numbers.
For installation locations the following is required:
the traffic counter needs to be indoors on a window overlooking the road
it needs mains electricity and a WiFi signal
it should have a clear, unobstructed view of the road (i.e. no trees in the way)
ideally, it should be on a first floor window and no further than 15m from the road (but there is some leeway)
it should not look directly onto a junction; however, a junction at the edge of the camera view is OK.
I hope this helps! Please let me know, if you have any further questions.