Usage of Bluetooth scanners to detect urban traffic

Traffic data gathering represents a key element in managing urban flows. Knowledge about vehicles' movements represent the basis for traffic signalling times calculation. In this regard, collection of traffic information (as detailed as possible for different categories) is done in all adaptive traffic management systems, but usually performed with static detectors (sometimes expensive ones, like video cameras with image processing software). This solution presents disadvantages like installing costs, lane closure (for some detectors), or maintenance costs. As the infotainment system inside vehicles is starting to be a standard for new vehicles, with capabilities of smartphone connection via Bluetooth, it appears that the detection of this wireless communication may provide information about the vehicle itself. In this article the authors have tested the possibility to detect Bluetooth communications inside vehicles using standard Bluetooth modules.