In intersection control where precise detection data need specifications are available, VIPS are rapidly becoming very cost competitive and as experience is gained through existing installation activity and troubleshooting, performance will improve and costs will be further reduced. Several city officials in California have declared that for new actuated signal installations they will examine VIPS as the first candidate detection technology. Furthermore, VIPS are more flexible and operational during pavement construction activities and intersection redesign. The ability to occasionally monitor video images of the intersections is also desirable. The camera placement is regarded the most crucial element for installation success.
Most urban environments provide good alternatives for mounting.
Such alternatives include light fixture poles that usually are over 10 m high and extend over the traveled lanes. The field of view of the camera should not include the horizon and typically stops where the observed movement enters the intersection. This specification indicates the appropriate focal length for the camera lens. In some cases observing departing traffic may also be beneficial. Power supply problems for both the camera and the processing unit have been observed in the first installations.