Strategies for implementing weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems for direct enforcement

Abstract

With over 45 years of experience as International Road Dynamics (IRD), Quarterhill is a leader in Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) technology. Drawing on extensive expertise, including successful implementation of direct enforcement systems in Eastern Europe, Quarterhill's presentation will provide critical insights into deploying automated solutions to manage overloaded vehicles. The structured implementation of WIM-based automated enforcement starts with comprehensive data collection to assess overloading. This foundational step validates the need for enforcement and establishes a baseline for measuring effectiveness. Parameters are set based on the severity of existing issues to meet agency needs rather than arbitrary benchmarks. Implementing a WIM system requires meticulous attention to critical factors such as road quality (flatness, stability, and structural integrity) and aligning the system with established WIM standards to achieve desired confidence levels rather than absolute accuracy. The system must be designed to handle regulatory challenges, set clear violation thresholds, and ensure legal defensibility. Post-implementation, ongoing data validation measures the system’s effectiveness by tracking overloading trends. Life-cycle management, including regular updates and maintenance, ensures long-term reliability and scalability. By focusing on these methodologies, stakeholders can implement WIM systems that effectively address overloading in a sustainable and legally defensible manner.