Vehicle Detection and Parking

Vehicle detection uses inductive loop technology to sense vehicle presence, primarily for activating barriers, gates, and traffic signals. Parking management encompasses broader functionality including occupancy counting, space availability guidance, access control, and revenue collection. Detection forms the foundation—loops trigger counts when vehicles pass entry or exit points. These counts then feed parking management systems like NorParc, which calculate available spaces and update guidance signs. Many installations combine both: detectors provide the sensing capability, whilst counting modules and software deliver the intelligence and user guidance that optimises parking operations.

Absolutely. Nortech's modular approach supports phased deployment, allowing you to begin with loop detectors for barrier control and progressively add counting modules, variable message signs, and management software as requirements evolve. The 8-Series detectors offer advanced features like remote diagnostics that prove valuable in larger installations, whilst 3-Series units provide cost-effective detection for simpler applications. Both integrate with our counting ecosystem. Starting with quality detection infrastructure ensures your investment protects future expansion without requiring equipment replacement. Many customers begin with access control then add occupancy management as operational needs develop.

Inductive loops remain the gold standard for reliability and accuracy in vehicle detection. Unlike above-ground sensors affected by weather, lighting, or vehicle colour, loops embedded in road surface detect metallic mass regardless of environmental conditions. They provide precise positioning control essential for barrier safety and accurate counting. Modern loop detectors like our 8-Series offer sophisticated features including vehicle classification and speed measurement. Whilst newer technologies suit specific applications, loops deliver unmatched performance for access control and parking management where reliability is critical. Their longevity and low maintenance requirements provide excellent total cost of ownership.

Our solutions scale from single-barrier access points to multi-site parking operations with hundreds of spaces. The NCT100 standalone module suits small car parks requiring basic counting and sign control for up to four zones. NCT200 networked modules support complex facilities, with NorParc software managing up to 32 modules (128 counters) and 256 variable message signs across multiple levels and buildings. FeeMaster Smart handles attended revenue collection in smaller to medium facilities. For large commercial operations, our client-server architecture enables centralised monitoring across distributed sites. Modular design ensures you deploy precisely what your facility requires without over-specification.

Connectivity requirements vary by system architecture. FeeMaster Smart operates autonomously, ideal for locations with limited networking infrastructure—entry and exit stations function independently with local data storage. NCT100 standalone counters similarly operate without network connections, driving message signs via RS485. For multi-level facilities, NCT200 modules support both RS485 and TCP/IP networking to NorParc server software, enabling centralised management whilst maintaining local intelligence. Each module stores counts locally, ensuring continued operation if network connections fail. This distributed architecture balances centralised visibility with robust autonomous functionality, providing reliability regardless of network status.