Israel Police report that they will soon be using a traffic balloon as part of its fleet of vehicles monitoring traffic and combating accidents on the nation’s roadways.

At present, helicopters, which are expensive to operate, record major traffic violations but the balloon will be deployed in their place, operating more efficiently and far less expensive.

It is explained the balloons are a very cost-effective method of monitoring traffic as the device can be folded and placed in a trunk of a vehicle and deployed when required, using limited manpower and providing a wider range of vision that on receives from choppers. The balloon will document vehicles crossing a white line of engaging in a dangerous pass or making an illegal U-turn. The images will be transmitted to police working with the unit, appearing on their smartphones.

The head of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, Doron Yedid, is hopeful the balloon will serve as another tool in the department’s arsenal of weapons to prevent accidents and road deaths.

It is reported that police in the first quarter of 2017 issued 60,000 traffic summonses, 20,000 more than the corresponding time period last year. Driving while under the influence is sharply on the rise; registering a 28% increase in Q1 of 2017. Police suspended 3,000 licenses during the first quarter of 2017 as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)