Germany has a total of 330 road tunnels, and as a consequence of a long-term partnership between Geutebruck GmbH and Goldfunk GmbH more than 40 of them have been made safer by using Geutebruck video systems. Every year the ADAC, Germany's (and Europe's) largest automobile club carries out pan-European tunnel surveys and awards marks for safety. Tunnels equipped by Goldfunk with Geutebruck systems have had podium positions three times in recent years. In 2004 the Berg Block tunnel came in second place, in 2006 the Hochwald tunnel was third, and in 2008 the A38 Heidkopftunnel was named the safest road tunnel in Germany.
Geutebruck's GeViScope is Goldfunk's current video system platform of choice for tunnel projects. It combines high performance video and audio recording, with an open network matrix structure, professional video analysis and comprehensive alarm management all in a single device. All functions operate in real time and completely independently of each other. The system's event control functions ensure that relevant data and pictures from the cameras covering the tubes and approaches, the emergency call points, the break-down refuges as well as the interconnecting passages are displayed automatically and instantly whenever managers need them. The system is particularly flexible and the control software allows managers to pre-program routines and responses to suit their precise requirements which makes their task easier and the tunnel safer.
Clearly the video system cannot claim more than a share in the credit: improvements in construction regulations have made a significant contribution, as has a greater emphasis on safety and security generally. But along with the emergency call points, refuges, fire alarms and separate tubes for each traffic direction, an efficient video security system is an important traffic management tool and an essential element of an overall security concept which has a significant role to play in saving life when there is an accident or a fire.
