WO2007138265A2

WO2007138265A2 - Improvements to road safety

Info

Publication number: WO2007138265A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/001899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Emmerson Allen
Original assignee: Matthew Emmerson Allen
Priority date: 2006-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-22
Publication date: 2007-12-06
Also published as: GB0610608D0; GB2443654A; WO2007138265A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle monitoring assembly (9). The vehicle monitoring assembly (9) comprises a sensor, a communication means and a testing assembly. The invention also relates to a vehicle occupant testing assembly, for example a vehicle occupant sight testing assembly, a vehicle occupant reflex or awareness testing assembly or a vehicle occupant breath testing assembly. The invention also relates to a method of testing a vehicle occupant on or adjacent a road. The invention also relates to a vehicle use monitoring apparatus and a method of monitoring vehicle use.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD SAFETY

The present invention relates to improvements in road safety, in particular, but not exclusively, a vehicle monitoring assembly and method of monitoring a vehicle, a sensor means, a communication means, a testing assembly and method of testing a vehicle occupant, a vehicle activity signal transmission means, a "road- based" vehicle use sensing system, an "in-car" vehicle use sensing system, and related parts and steps thereof.

Poor driver eyesight appears to cause road accidents. Indeed, poor driver eyesight may be more fundamentally dangerous than driver speeding. According to Bosch, bad vision is responsible for over 300,000 road accidents every year.

Although good eyesight is an obvious requirement for safe driving, in the UK, the vehicle registration plate test, where a person is asked to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 m away, done as part of the driving test, is frequently the only check a driver has of their eyesight until the onset of age makes reading a bit more difficult. Consequently, according to research that has been carried out by Aston University, 1 in 6 motorists could have substandard eyesight.

Although, at least in the UK, the Police have the power to test a driver's eyesight if they have reason to believe that he/she cannot meet the minimum eyesight requirement, i.e. reading a standard vehicle registration plate at a distance of 20.5 m away, Police resources are often strained and understandably deemed better deployed elsewhere, especially given that it can be difficult for a person to decide who should be tested, and it is impracticable to test every licensed driver and unnecessary to test every licensed driver, because for many drivers, eyesight does not deteriorate significantly over time.

Speeding also causes accidents. Research carried out by the Transport Research Institute at Edinburgh's Napier University shows that motorists who have been caught by a speed camera are more likely to have a crash than those that have not.

Driving under the influence of drags or alcohol is also responsible for many accidents.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle moiύtoring assembly comprising an electronic sensor, and a electronic communication means, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor has sensed something, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or a specific vehicle occupant, and instruct the specific vehicle or the specific vehicle occupant to stop, preferably at a test assembly ahead.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly as claimed in claim 1.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising an electronic sensor for sensing a vehicle or a vehicle occupant, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to an electronic testing assembly when a vehicle or vehicle occupant is sensed, and preferably an electronic testing assembly arranged to test a sensed vehicle occupant or a sensed vehicle, preferably means to stop a vehicle to undergo a test, preferably means to stop vehicle can be activated upon signal from sensor.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising an electronic sensor for sensing if a vehicle is moving through a (red) traffic light which is ordering traffic to halt, characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises an electronic communication means operable to communicate to a vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when a vehicle breaches traffic light which is ordering traffic to halt.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising a (electronic) sensor for sensing if a vehicle is moving across a lane division on a road (repeatedly or for a predetermined period of time), characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises (electronic) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when vehicle crosses lane division (repeatedly or for more than a predetermined period of time).

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising a (electronic) sensor for counting number of vehicles passing a location on a road, characterised in mat the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises processing means to process sensed information, and (electronic) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate at intervals of a predetermined number of vehicles to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising a sensor in the form of an (electronic) timing means, characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises (electronic) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate at intervals of a predetermined amount of time to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising a sensor in the form of a data carrier reader at a (electronic) road side unit arranged to receive a signal of date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test, e.g. from a data carrier such as a vehicle licence, preferably the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises (electronic) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test is more than a predetermined time period.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising a sensor in the form of an electronic vehicle use monitor arranged to sense (continuous) duration of use and/or (continuous) distance of use, characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises (electronic) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when a vehicle has been in use for more than a predetermined amount of time/distance.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, comprising a sensor in the form of a vehicle identification means such as AMPR, and a database holding details of the last test fcr a vehicle and/or registsed holder of a vehicle, and assembly is arranged to transmit an electronic signal when the period since the last test exceeds a predetermined time period, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle occupant testing as claimed in claim 46. According to a twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided a driving licence as claimed in claim 55. According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring a vehicle as claimed in claim 56. According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) (electronic) testing assembly as claimed in claim 66. According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) (electronic) testing assembly as claimed in claim 67. According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) testing assembly as claimed in claim 84. According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) testing assembly as claimed in claim 85. According to a eighteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) testing assembly as claimed in claim 86. According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) testing assembly as claimed in claim 88. According to a twentieth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle use monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 92. According to a twenty first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring vehicle use as claimed in claim 104. According to a twenty second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring vehicle use as claimed in claim 106. According to a twenty third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring use of a vehicle as claimed in claim 109.

The vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly may be arranged so that the driver can remain in the car whilst the testing is carried out, for example at the driver side of the vehicle, preferably the testing assembly has height adjustment means.

The breath testing assembly may comprise an automatic means for dispensing a part that comes into contact with a mouth of a vehicle occupant between tests (e.g. a breath tube).

The vehicle stopping means may be active, e.g. a physical barrier. Alternatively, the vehicle stopping means may be passive, e.g. a traffic light like device. The vehicle stopping means may be arranged to prevent vehicle passing until test conducted. The vehicle stopping means may be arranged to prevent vehicle passing if breath or reflex or awareness test results indicate occupant not in a condition to drive.

The vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness or vehicle testing assembly may be conveniently arranged at a road toll or the like.

The system may comprise (wireless) communication means for communicating result of assessment to a vehicle.

The vehicle monitoring assembly may comprises means for determining country of a vehicle registration plate. In such a case, the vehicle monitoring assembly preferably comprises means for informing occupant in one or more languages of a sensed country of a vehicle registration plate.

Drivers tiredness causes many road accidents. However, too many drivers simply cannot be relied upon to stop for a break when they should.

According to the invention there is provided a vehicle driver safety system and a method of monitoring a vehicle as set out in the claims.

Optional preferred features are set out in the dependent claims and/or description. The features of the dependent claims and/or description may be combined with any of the aforesaid statements of invention. Other inventions may lie in the description.

An advantage of the vehicle monitoring systems in accordance with the invention is that human monitors like the Police do not have to monitor a vehicle and then use fuel in following a vehicle and then recite their reasons and test them, and then perhaps use more fuel in returning to their original monitoring location. A clear advantage over in-vehicle tests is that the testing assemblies in accordance with the invention can potentially be used on all vehicles on the road. The testing assemblies can also in certain embodiments operate without human operator intervention. Most importantly, the testing assemblies in accordance with the invention can dramatically raise the level of safety on public roads.

The vehicle use monitoring invention can avoid the problem of measuring time between two points on the road where there can be inaccuracy if a vehicle stops. The on road system is preferably designed not to be overruled by the driver.

A vehicle monitoring assembly and method of monitoring a vehicle, a sensor means, a communication means, a testing assembly and method of testing a vehicle occupant, a vehicle activity signal transmission means, a "road-based" vehicle use sensing system, "in-car" vehicle use sensing system, and related parts, all in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which,

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle monitoring assembly,

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle monitoring assembly showing in detail parts of a sight test assembly thereof,

Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart showing method steps in monitoring, including testing, a vehicle, Figure 4 is a schematic view of another vehicle monitoring assembly, showing signals between the parts thereof.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a vehicle activity signal transmission means, a vehicle signal receiving means and another vehicle occupant testing assembly which includes a remotely controlled in-car test,

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a testing assembly,

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a "road-based" vehicle use sensing system, and

Figure 8 is a schematic view of an at least partly "in-car" vehicle use sensing system.

There are various ways of selecting test participants and vehicles as follows.

Referring to Figure 1, and according to one embodiment of the invention, a vehicle monitoring assembly 9 (for monitoring vehicles on a road) comprises a (electronic) sensor 20, an (electronic) testing assembly 12, and an (electronic) communication means 22. The (electronic) sensor 20 can comprise a vehicle speed sensor (and camera) 20 for sensing the speed of a vehicle. The (electronic) sensor 20 can be arranged upstream (up the road against the direction of the traffic) of the (electronic) communication means 22, which can be arranged upstream of the (electronic) testing assembly 12.

The speed sensor 20 can sense the speed of a vehicle as a vehicle passes. One method of detecting the speed of a vehicle, used by Truvelo™, is to use a vehicle speed sensor 20 having inductive loops embedded in the roadway which detect the presence of vehicles, and with two loops a set distance apart, the vehicle speed can be measured. Another method is to use two piezo-electric strips, which generate a voltage in response to applied mechanical stress, embedded in the road at a known distance apart so as to detect a vehicle pass over them. The time it takes for the vehicle to travel the set distance between the two strips gives the speed of the vehicle.

The speed sensor can sense if vehicle is driving above or below a predetermined speed.

The speed sensor 20 of the vehicle monitoring assembly 9 can comprise vehicle identification means for obtaining identity of vehicle that is speeding. The vehicle identification means can comprise known automatic vehicle registration plate recognition technology based on optical character recognition.

Where a vehicle is exhibiting undesirable behaviour, e.g. it exceeds the speed limit, there is a reasonable probability that the vehicle occupant (the driver) has bad eyesight or is drunk or under the influence of drugs or is tired. It is of course acknowledged that some perfectly adequate drivers simply ignore such cameras but they are a minority at least where a financial penalty is imposed.

Accordingly, if the speed sensor 20 senses a vehicle driving above or below a predetermined speed, the occupant of such a vehicle is signalled and instructed to take a road side sight test down the road. In particular, (electronic) communication means 22 (of the vehicle monitoring assembly 9) is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant if the speed sensed by the speed sensor is above a predetermined threshold or below a predetermined threshold. Figure 1 is not to scale. The sensor 20 may be 1 or 2 miles before test point. The communication means may be 1/2 mile before test assembly point. The sensor can signal the communication means in any suitable known manner. Also, where the communication means is located at the road side, the communication means 22 must be sufficiently downstream of the sensor 20 to allow the sensor to make its calculations and send a signal to the communication means before the vehicle passes the communication means.

The vehicle monitoring assembly 9 can comprise at least one follow-up communication means, like communication means 22. The follow-up communication means is able to communicate to a vehicle occupant. The follow-up communication means can be arranged adjacent the road. The follow-up communication means is arranged between the communication means 22 and the test means 12. The communication means 22 can display a message asking occupant of the sensed vehicle to verify they have seen the message. For example, the communication means 22 can signal the sensed vehicle to slow then- speed down to a predetermined level, or illuminate a turning light or hazard light, or sound a horn. The vehicle monitoring assembly can have sensory means to monitor response of vehicle, arranged adjacent the road or remotely therefrom. The notification can comprise instruction to accept notification, e.g. to flash lights/indicator. The communication means can comprise a sensor such as CCTV to sense lights being flashed. Where driver does not respond, the follow-up communication means is used to send a further message to the driver. This can help to ensure the vehicle complies. Referring to Figure 2, a vehicle 10 is shown on a road, after the sensor 20 and communication means 22.

A road side sight test assembly 11 comprises a sight test means 12, which is electronic. The road side sight test assembly is automatically operable without controller, although a vehicle occupant is intended to interact with it.

Barrier control means 13

Barrier 14

Control unit 16

Road has stopping region 18 adjacent sight test means 12 and the aforementioned vehicle monitoring assembly 9.

The vehicle 10 is parked in stopping region 18.

Sight test 12 may be set at a certain distance from the vehicle/person 10. λvhich may vary according to the relevant state/country, so as to closely simulate the eyesight test applicable to the relevant state/country. Sight test 12 may comprise Snellen chart or (images of) one or a series of vehicle registration plates. The sight test 12 whether Snellen chart or (images of) vehicle registration plates can be digital and computer generate different series of letters, so as to minimise risk of cheating.

Sight test 12 may include test(s) for Longsightedness/hyperopia, Shortsightedness/myopia. Glaucoma. Colour blindness, Depth perception. Presbyopia, contrast vision, and/or cataracts.

The sensor 20 can comprise one or more of the following:

1. A speed sensor, e.g. speed camera or average speed monitoring. The predetermined "maximum" and/or "minimum" speed can be programmed.

2. A traffic light breach sensor. If a vehicle passes a red light, they can be instructed to do test.

3.A lane breach sensor, Le. a means for monitoring movement of vehicle across lane divisions. If vehicle is weaving across the lane divisions on the road, they can be instructed to do test.

4. A vehicle flow counter. The testing assembly can be arranged to instruct tests at predetermined intervals.

5. A timer or clock. The testing assembly can be arranged to instruct tests at predetermined intervals or times.

6. A road side data carrier reader like electronic licence. In another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle driving licence can be equipped with electronic storage means arranged to store date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test if opticians load transponder with information a transponder transmitter and/or receiver. Transponder can send signal to road side unit, e.g. arranged at a toll barrier, signal informing of date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test if opticians load transponder with information. Apparatus then signals vehicle to go to roadside sight test it more than a predetermined time period, say three years, has elapsed since date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test.

7. An image viewing apparatus, such as video or television, for example (real-time) CCTV, arranged to record vehicle behaviour on road. The assembly can comprise an image recording apparatus to identify certain behaviour and be ansngedtotransmitimagetoa terminal at a remote location to allow apasontoievkw the image recorded by me image recording apparatus. The communication assembly and/or testing can then be operated at the terminal. Alteπiativery, the assembfy can cornprise and Ihe system can generate a control signal fiarme communication assembly and/or testing .

8. A vehicle identification means such as ANPR, and a database holding details of Ihe last test for a vehicle and/or registered holder of a vehicle, and assembly is arranged to transmit an electronic signal (to the electronic communication means or testing assembly) when the period since the last test exceeds a predetermined time period.

9. A vehicle continuous use sensor (discussed hereinbelow).

10. A road sign, a road hazard, or obstacle such as speed bump, and a response sensor, arranged to sense response to sign, hazard or obstacle. One can sense cars that do not respond to road signs, or a hazard or obstacle such as speed bump. If they fail to respond adequately they can be instructed to do test. Response sensor may operate by sensing speed at the crest of the speed bump. If the speed is over a predetermined speed, it is reasonable to assume that the vehicle occupant should be tested.

IL A light sensor can be arranged to sense if it is dark, and when it is dark the assembly can be arranged to signal a vehicle that is sensed to stop to take test.

12. Location sensor such as GPS, which can be mounted in a vehicle. GPS can be in signal communication with electronic device such as a computer at a remote location. If GPS senses and transmits a certain location, e.g. location of a public house, (perhaps at a particular time) the vehicle can be instructed to undergo a test.

13. A vehicle registration plate recognition such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)₅ and a database of vehicle identities. The sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a certain vehicle identity.

Sensor 20 can be arranged to sense any other vehicle behaviour or vehicle occupant behaviour or another characteristic, e.g. weather.

Apparatus may comprise a plurality of sensors. Each sensor may sense different thing. Alternatively a single sensor can sense different parameters. For example, one may sense if there is a reaction to an event, such as displaying a "slow down" sign, and one may sense the reaction time. A person's sight may be tested if there is no reaction. Breath may be tested if there is a reaction but the reaction is slow.

Sensor can be portable, e.g. hand-held by police.

Referring to Figure 4, there is direct interaction between a) the sensor 20 and the testing assembly 11, 12, b) the sensor 20 and the communication assembly 22, and c) the communication assembly 22 and the testing assembly 11, 12.

The sensor 20 can be mains powered or battery powered. The communication assembly 22 can be mains powered or battery powered. The testing assembly 11, 12 can be mains powered or battery powered.

The sensor 20 comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The communication assembly 22 comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The testing assembly 11, 12 comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitters/receivers can be arranged to transmit/receive a wireless or a wired signal.

Since, the communication assembly 22 and testing assembly 11, 12 are required only when a condition is sensed, the sensor 20 can be arranged to transmit a signal to the communication assembly and/or testing assembly which, for example by activation of a relay, causes power to be supplied to the communication assembly and/or testing assembly.

The sensor 20 can transmit an electronic signal to an electronic device at a monitoring centre at a remote location, for example a computer and associated display screen, which can be monitored by an operator. The signal can comprise information relating to vehicles and vehicle occupants that have been sensed. The operation of the communication assembly and/or testing assembly can be controlled by the operator via the electronic device.

The sensor 20 can also receive a signal from a remote location, for example a control centre at the remote location, from which operation can be controlled. An operator can change the sensor type which triggers operation of the communication assembly and/or testing assembly, for example a sensor which counts and causes testing of every nth vehicle approach to a sensor which senses and tests speeding vehicles or vice versa.

Where the sensor 20 is arranged to "read" a vehicle registration plate of a vehicle, the sensor can communicate with a database storing vehicle registration plates of different countries and/or characteristics of vehicle registration plates in different countries, and establish the country of the vehicle registration plate. If the vehicle registration plate is not on the database, a photo (for example that which is taken by a conventional speed camera when the vehicle is sensed to be speeding) can be transmitted to the remote location, where the photo can be reviewed so as to establish the country of origin. The controller can then program the communication assembly and/or testing assembly to communicate in the language of the country of origin of the vehicle in addition to language of the testing assembly.

The sensor 20 can send the sensed vehicle registration plate to a vehicle registration authority for that country in which the sensor is located. If the sensor is located in the UK, the sensor can send the sensed vehicle registration plate (also known as number plate) to the DVLA. The vehicle registration authority can respond with details of the ID of registered owner of the vehicle.

The sensor 20 can send a signal to the communication assembly 22. In particular, the sensor 20 can send a signal pertaining to the vehicle registration plate of the sensed vehicle to the communication assembly. The communication assembly can then display the appropriate vehicle registration plate on a sign as the sensed vehicle approaches it. The sensor can send a signal pertaining to the infringement of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is speeding, a signal may be sent to that effect, and the communication assembly can signal the vehicle to slow down, in addition to instructing the vehicle occupant to stop and take a test. The sensor can send a signal to the communication assembly regarding a preferred second language for instructing the vehicle, i.e. the language of the country of the vehicle registration plate, and can instruct the vehicle occupant in the language of the country in which the sensor is located. Optionally, the communication assembly can instruct the vehicle occupant in preferred second language for instructing the vehicle, i.e. the language of the country of the vehicle registration plate.

When a vehicle is sensed doing a certain thing_s the sensor 20 can send a signal to the testing assembly 11, 12 to initiate the test equipment. The sensor can send a signal to the testing assembly regarding the identity of the sensed vehicle, and optionally, the date and time of sensing th& vehicle, and optionally, the driving infringement. In particular, the sensor can send a signal pertaining to the vehicle registration plate of the sensed vehicle to the communication assembly. The testing assembly can be arranged so that when the sensed vehicle approaches, the testing assembly gets ready. Moreover, depending on the infringement the specific test can be readied/loaded, e.g. if ft is a speeding infringement a sight test can be readied. The testing assembly can send this information to a third party along wΑ other information e.g. test results.

The electronic sensor 20 is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a vehicle above a predetermined speed threshold or below a predetermined speed threshold.

The vehicle monitoring assembly may comprise vehicle registration plate reading technology. The vehicle monitoring assembly may comprise processing means to establish driver name from vehicle registration plate information. The vehicle monitoring assembly may comprise electronic signalling means arranged to display details of vehicle registration plate and/or name of vehicle owner, along with a message that vehicle occupant (optionally move vehicle over) stop vehicle to take test. According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle sensor assembly, such a speed camera, or a vehicle average speed sensor, or a traffic light breach sensor, is in communication with electronic signalling means arranged to display details of vehicle registration plate and/or name of vehicle owner, along with a message that vehicle occupant (optionally move vehicle over) stop vehicle to take test.

If occupant is to be tested, occupant can be wirelessly informed by communication means 22, e.g. by radio, by transponder, to do a test.

The communication means 22 may comprise one or a plurality of display screens arranged to notify vehicle occupants, the plurality can be arranged at intervals along a road.

The communication means 22 may be portable, e.g. hand-held by police.

The communication assembly 22 can send a signal to the testing assembly regarding the sensed vehicle and the date and time of notifying the vehicle. The communication assembly sends a signal to the testing assembly to initiate the test equipment, so that when the test equipment senses the vehicle which has been communicated to, the operation of the test equipment can commence. If a wrong vehicle approaches test, the vehicle is instructed to drive on. Alternatively, the signal sent to the testing assembly regarding the sensed vehicle may be reviewed by a person and that person may be aware of who they need to test and for what driving infringement. If a vehicle which has been instructed to go to test site does not do so, that can be sensed by suitable sensory equipment at location of testing assembly. A fine may be implemented and/or an electronic signal can be transmitted to authorities so that they may be notified of failure to take test.

In another embodiment of the invention, the testing assembly has means for testing another driver parameter, such as reflexes, in addition to or instead of sight test. For example, a reflex test assembly has a display screen, ordinarily blank, and onto which are periodically introduced images of objects. The occupant can then press a button or the like to show that they have seen the object, and the time taken to respond to the appearance of the object can be measured. If the occupant fails the reflex test, the occupant may be allowed to pass the first barrier. However, vehicle is not allowed to pass a second barrier (not shown for simplicity) further down the road by say 100 m. The vehicle is forced to stop in a lay-by or the like between first and second barrier. In this way, the failing driver does not stop traffic flowing. The vehicle of the occupant may be allowed to pass the second barrier only after a set time, e.g. 15 minutes, thereby allowing the driver time to take a break. Food and drink facilities can be dispensed from the assembly to nourish the driver. The assembly may instruct lifting of the second barrier only after the vehicle registration plate of the vehicle is read and a certain time has elapsed. A ticket or the like may be dispensed to inform the user when they are free to move past the second barrier.

Suitable sensors sense the presence of the vehicle near the barrier. Sensor may cause test to initiate. Sensor can be a load sensor, positioned in a position on which wheels of vehicle can lie in use. The testing assembly can then operate relatively autonomously with occupant intervention to respond to prompts. The testing assembly may comprise an array of buttons or touch pads corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. In use, if the driver sees a letter they can touch the pad corresponding to the letter. The assembly will give a limited amount of time, say ten seconds per part of the test, to input what they see.

Although CCTV records avoidance of test, blocking means can be arranged adjacent barrier 14 so as to form a continuous blockage sufficient to prevent a vehicle passing around the barrier 14 and down the road.

According to the invention there is provided a vehicle driver licence card comprising an electronic storage means and transponder, electronic storage means comprising data pertaining to date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test.

The assembly can have a means to receive payment for items or a penalty payment.

Assembly may send signal to engine management unit of vehicle to actively limit speed of vehicle or immobilise vehicle.

Road side sight test can have facial recognition or other identification means, which are interactive or discrete. This can be linked to emergency services, e.g. police, for monitoring, enabling police to limit travel of certain persons.

The test interface can be provided in the vehicle, whilst the test is controlled remotely and outside of the vehicle for potential use on all vehicles on the road

Means for signalling either vehicle or occupant of vehicle and means for conducting sight test or breath test and means for sending result of test to control system and control system having means for diverting or stopping vehicle in response to test data.

Preferably test method comprises means for identifying vehicle e.g. vehicle registration plate recognition technology.

Instead of or in addition to a vehicle barrier means to signal a vehicle to stop can be provided e.g. a traffic light type system.

Test may include various components as follows.

Testing assembly may comprise breath analysis equipment in addition to or instead of sight test. Breath analysis can inform if occupant has more than the allowed amount of alcohol. Negative testing can cause barrier to prevent vehicle passing.

Test may include walking along a line marked on or at the side of the road, raising a leg for a predetermined length of time, listening to questions and providing correct answers, testing visual response times (particularly useful for drug users), etc. Test may be recorded on CCTV and analysed.

Where occupant is tired or under influence of some drugs their pupils dilate. An eye scanner can be used to sense such dilation during a test of occupant.

Vehicle occupant can speak to controller and/or controller can speak to vehicle occupant via VHF radio or via the GSM cellular phone network.

Transmitting control data from the vehicle occupant licence to controller or from the controller to vehicle or licence. The system includes a local communication unit capable of establishing a wireless communication link with a remote communication unit and a link for transferring data between the local communication unit and the vehicle or licence. In operation, a wireless communication link is established between the local communication unit and the remote communication unit. Control data is transferred between the local communication unit and the vehicle or licence and transmitted between the local communication unit and the remote communication unit via the wireless communication link.

Remote monitoring of vehicle, e.g. average speed variation over lit and unlit sections of road, or measuring time to react to and comply with (speed limit) road signs.

The communication means comprises an in-vehicle notification means arranged to communicate to vehicle to inform a vehicle to stop. The in-vehicle notification means can be remotely controlled. Such a remotely controlled in-vehicle notification means can be used in conjunction with a remote sensor and/or remotely controlled testing assembly. Vehicle occupant can be informed e.g. by wireless message from monitoring system, possibly from remote monitoring centre, or by on road sign.

User can be instructed to leave motorway at exit following position of test failure. User can be compelled to stay below minimum speed until then, fined if not.

Figure 3 shows a testing assembly in one embodiment of the invention in operation.

The testing assembly 11, 12 can send this information to a third party along with other information e.g. test results. The testing assembly can also send a signal pertaining to the test results of the vehicle occupant to a remote location.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a test assembly comprising a sensor for sensing a vehicle or vehicle occupant whilst vehicle is in use and an (at least partly road based or road-side based) test assembly to test vehicle occupant or vehicle. The test assembly may have any of the features of the parts herein.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring a vehicle on the road, the method comprising sensing vehicle behaviour and testing the vehicle or vehicle occupant on or adjacent the road. The method can comprise a step or steps equivalent to, or utilising one or more of the features of, any feature or features of the products herein.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a test assembly comprising a communication means for communicating to a vehicle on the road, and (an at least partly road based or road-side based) test assembly to test vehicle occupant or vehicle. The test assembly may have any of the features of the parts herein.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring a vehicle on the road, the method comprising notifying vehicle /vehicle occupant and testing the vehicle or vehicle occupant on or adjacent the road. The method can comprise a step or steps equivalent to, or utilising one or more of the features of, any feature or features of the products herein.

The testing assembly can comprise an image viewing apparatus, such as video or television, for example (real-time) CCTV. arranged to record test. The testing assembly can comprise a computer and associated display screen at a remote location, which can be monitored by an operator. The testing assembly can be controllable fiom the remote location

Testing vehicle lights/indicator lights. The testing assembly can comprise CCTV. In particular but not exclusively in daylight, me testing assembly can ask a driver to turn lights on (or off and on) via a remote operator-vehicle occupant communication means. TheCCrVcanbeusedtosenseiflightswoik If lights do not work, an appropriate signal can be sent to the driver or instruction can be notified by communication means to stop.

Testing vehicle emissions. The testing assembly can comprise an emissions testing apparatus. The testing assembly can ask a driver to place the emissions testing apparatus in/on a vehicle exhaust pipe. CCTV can be used to check compliance and instruct driver.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, a vehicle 40 has a vehicle occupant test device 42 arranged therein. The vehicle occupant test device 42 is arranged to transmit, wirelessly, an electronic control signal to an electronic device 44 such as a computer (and associated display screen) at a remote location when vehicle ignition switch is in the on position. The vehicle occupant test device 42 is arranged to receive, wirelessly, an electronic control signal from a computer at a remote location so as to run a test, for example for colour blindness and/or alertness and/or reaction time. The vehicle occupant test device 42 can comprise an electronic image display screen. The test device 42 can be arranged to operate periodically. The in-car vehicle occupant test device can send a signal to a computer 44 at a remote device following operation of test. The computer 44 can send a final signal to the vehicle, for example to advise not to drive. In another embodiment of the invention, the test device comprises an image viewing apparatus such as CCTV and a microphone and/or loudspeaker to allow assessment and interaction with a vehicle occupant.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a testing assembly 52 for vehicle occupants. Referring to Figure 6, the testing assembly 52 takes the form of a sight testing assembly and/or alertness testing assembly. The testing assembly 52 comprises an (electronic) image display screen 54. A shroud 56 is arranged around the screen 54. The shroud 56 is made of or treated with an opaque material, for example sheet steel. The shroud 56 is arranged to at least partially obscure visual access to the display screen 54. In one preferred embodiment, the shroud 56 is tubular and the display screen 54 is arranged to lie within the extent of the shroud. The shroud 56 extends a predetermined distance, for example 1.5 metres. The shroud 56 defines an opening 58, preferably sized so that only one person can comfortably view therethrough. Glass may be arranged in opening 58. A person can view the display screen 54 through the opening 58. This arrangement imposes a fixed distance between the driver and the display screen, albeit scaled down appropriately. This makes it a better option that a display arranged "in the open" up the road. Mirrors (not shown) can be arranged inside the shroud 56 to increase the actual distance from the image display screen 54 to the person taking the test more than the distance between the display screen and the opening, say 20.5 metres. For example, mirrors may be arranged near the display screen 54 and near the opening 58 and oriented appropriately.

The display screen 54 is arranged to display one or a series of images on the display screen 54. When an image is displayed on the display screen 54, a variety of possible answers as to what is being displayed on the display screen are displayed on the user interface 60. The testing assembly 52 comprises a suitable processor, to ensure an image is displayed on the screen 54 and a corresponding number of options (one of which is correct) are displayed simultaneously or slightly thereafter on the user interface 60. An answer can be selected by pressing one of the operating buttons 62. An alternative is for the driver to type answers, for at least some of the images displayed, but this increases the time of the test. The display screen 54 is arranged on a post 64, which can be mounted on the ground.

Testing assembly 52 can be arranged on or adjacent road, by driver door. If convenient, driver can view screen from inside vehicle. If not, driver has to get out of vehicle but test assembly is close to him. Driver can provide test answers via unit A person can select the answer they think they see by pressing one of the operating buttons 62.

The testing assembly 52 can be adapted to test different aspects of a driver, e.g. driver breath. The testing assembly comprises an apparatus like a vending machine which can dispense a sealed sterile disposable mouthpiece to a person, for example after vehicle is identified at testing assembly. The person can then fit the mouthpiece on a permanent inlet tube on the testing assembly which breath test tube is in fluid communication with known breath testing apparatus inside the assembly.

The testing assembly 52 can also be arranged to test a vehicle, e.g. operation of vehicle lights, indicators, and horn by using suitable light sensory equipment and sounds sensory equipment. The testing assembly 52 can be positioned at roadside, e.g. near car parks, near supermarkets, near train stations and other places where there are high concentrations of vehicles.

In another embodiment of the invention (which is not shown for conciseness), the testing assembly comprises a cover which is movable from a first position, in which part of the vehicle or vehicle occupant testing means, e.g. the display screen or opening, is at least partially shielded from a user, to a second position, in which the vehicle or vehicle occupant testing means can be used.

In another embodiment of the invention, the testing apparatus can be portable, e.g. hand-held by police.

A testing assembly in accordance with the invention can be arranged to test only those people who have been sensed on/using the roads. The testing assembly can therefore avoid the unnecessary cost of periodically test the registered driving licence holders who do not drive a vehicle for the entire duration of their lives.

Referring to Figure 7, a road-based vehicle use sensing system 100 comprises a plurality of sensors 102, 104, 106 on or adjacent a first road 108. In particular, the first road 1OS comprises a plurality of subsidiary roads 110 that permit traffic to leave the first road 10S, and a plurality of subsidiary roads 112 that permit traffic to join (or rejoin) the first road 108. If Hie sensors are positioned at OF adjacent the first road at the point where there is a road leaving the first road, it is possible to determine if a vehicle 114 is continuously on the first road for the distance X between the sensors. If the distance is known, and the average speed can be estimated (knowing that a vehicle generally travels in a certain speed range on the motorway), it is possible using Speed= Distance/Time to estimate the time that a vehicle itas been in continuous driving use without a stop. If the use, exceeds a certain time, e.g. two hours, a signal can ire sent to a communication means 118 like the communication means 22 above and the communication means can notify the vehicle. The vehicle can be instructed to stop. The vehicle can be notified of imminent places to stop. The vehicle can be instructed to stop so that the driver can take a test at a testing assembly like 12 above. The first and last sensors are a known distance apart and can be used to calculate average speed to provide a more precise indication of the time the vehicle has been in continuous use.

If a vehicle is notified to leave road to have a rest shortly after distance X, a further sensor 116 can sense if a vehicle has driven past an opportunity to leave the main road.

Referring to Figure 8, a vehicle 'continuous use' monitoring system 210 comprises a vehicle ignition switch 212 and a timer 214. The vehicle ignition switch 212 has an 'off position and an 'on' position. The timer 214 can be a GPS or Galileo Positioning System. When the vehicle ignition switch is in the 'on' position, the vehicle can be driven. Accordingly, the monitoring system 210 assumes that the driver is continuously driving the vehicle and is 'in use'. When the vehicle ignition switch is in the OfF position, the vehicle can no longer be driven and is not in use. When the vehicle ignition switch 212 is in the 'on' position, a signal S is transmitted to the timer 214 causing the timer to be initiated and run. The tuner measures the time the vehicle ignition switch is continuously in the "on" position, Le. the time the vehicle is in continuous use. The timer 214 can be programmed with a pre-determined time period limit for the vehicle ignition switch 212 to be continuously in the "on" position, i.e. to be in continuous use. The limit is variable. The monitoring system 210 can comprise a light sensor (not shown). In darkness, the limit can be set at two hours, whereas in. daylight, the limit may be set higher, e.g. at three hours, because a driver is less likely to fall asleep in a vehicle during daylight. If the timer 214 exceeds the pre-determined time period limit, a signal is sent to an information transmission means 216, which then informs the driver the amount of time he has been driving and/or the time he may safely continue to drive and/or to stop, either soon or immediately. If the timer 214 exceeds the pre-determined time period limit, a signal S3 can optionally also be sent to a controller 218, from which a control signal can be transmitted. The control signal can inform the engine management unit (EMU) to cap the upper speed of the vehicle. This is an incentive for the driver to stop. If the timer 214 is GPS, the signal S2 can comprise information relating to location and the signal S2 can be processed and the information transmission means 216 may contain information of the closest services/junctions/stopping points. Once the ignition is in the OfF position, the timer 214 is reset for next use. A vehicle continuous use' monitoring system and a method of monitoring a vehicle as set out herein can reduce road accidents. The monitoring system 210 can be arranged to send a signal to an electronic device at a remote location, like electronic device 44 above, which can arranged to be able to respond with a signal.

Claims

1. A vehicle monitoring assembly for monitoring vehicles on a road, the vehicle monitoring assembly comprising an electronic sensor for sensing a vehicle or a vehicle occupant, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to an electronic communication means, and the electronic communication means is arranged to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when a vehicle or vehicle occupant is sensed, and an electronic testing assembly arranged to test a sensed vehicle occupant or a sensed vehicle.

2. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electronic sensor is arranged to sense a breach of road rules.

3. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a speed sensor arranged to sense the speed of a vehicle, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a vehicle above a predetermined threshold or below a predetermined threshold, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

4. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a traffic light breach sensor arranged to sense if a vehicle passes through a (red or amber) traffic light which is ordering traffic to stop, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a vehicle which passes through a (red or amber) traffic light which is ordering traffic to stop, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

5. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a lane breach sensor arranged to sense if a vehicle is moving across a lane division on a road (repeatedly or for a predetermined period of time), the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a vehicle is moving across a lane division on a road, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

6. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a vehicle counter arranged to count the number of vehicles passing a location on a road, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a predetermined number of vehicles, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

7. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a timer, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when (he sensor senses a predetermined amount of time, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

8. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a road side data carrier reader arranged to read a data carrier such as a vehicle licence and receive a signal corresponding to date driving test passed and/or date of last road side sight test and/or normal sight test, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses more than a predetermined time period has elapsed, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

9. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor oompisesanimage display apparatus such as CCTV aπaπged to capuπe ami display vehicle behaviour, the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a certain behaviour, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

10. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a vehicle identification means such as ANPR, and a database holding details of the last test for a -vehicle and/or iegisteredholderofavehicle, and assemblyis arranged to transmit an electronic signal when the period since the last test exceeds a predetermined time period, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

11. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a vehicle use sensor arranged to sense (continuous) duration of use and/or (continuous) distance of use, and assembly is ananged to transmit an electronic signal (to the electronic communication means or testing assembly) when the period since the last test exceeds a predetermined time period and/or distance, and the electronic communication means is operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant upon receipt of the signal.

12. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a means for identifying a vehicle, for example a vehicle registration plate recognition such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and a database of vehicle identities, wherein the sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic communication means when the sensor senses a certain vehicle identity.

13. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit an electronic signal to the testing assembly, for example the date and/or time of sensing a vehicle, and/or details of a driving infringement, to the testing assembly.

14. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic sensor comprises a identification means for identifying a vehicle, for example a vehicle registration plate recognition system such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

15. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 14, wherein the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit the sensed identification to the electronic communication means.

16. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 13 and 14. wherein the electronic sensor is arranged to transmit the sensed identification to the testing assembly.

17. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic testing assembly comprises an identification means for identifying a vehicle, for example vehicle registration plate recognition such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

18. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 16 and 17, wherein the assembly comprises means to correlate the identity sensed by the identification means of the electronic sensor and the identification means of the electronic testing assembly, preferably if they are the same the operation of the test equipment can commence, and if they are not the same, i.e. a car erroneously approaches test, the vehicle is instructed to drive on.

19. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the sensor comprises a (wireless) transmitter and/or a (wireless) receiver, preferably a (wireless) transceiver.

20. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises a database of plates and respective owners, and the sensor is arranged to "read" a vehicle registration plate of a vehicle, and review the database to identify the person responsible for/the registered owner of the vehicle.

21. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that the vehicle monitoring assembly comprises a database storing vehicle registration plates of different countries and/or characteristics of vehicle registration plates in different countries, and the sensor is arranged to "read" a vehicle registration plate of a vehicle, and review the database to establish the region/state/country/place of origin of the vehicle registration plate.

22. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that the sensor is arranged to send the (read part of the) sensed vehicle registration plate to a vehicle registration authority and the assembly is arranged to receive information from the vehicle registration authority who can respond with details of the ID of registered owner of the vehicle.

23. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that the sensor is arranged to send a signal pertaining to the vehicle registration plate of the sensed vehicle and/or the identity of the registered owner/keeper of the sensed vehicle to the communication assembly.

24. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the testing assembly comprises a (wireless) transmitter and/or a (wireless) receiver, preferably a (wireless) transceiver.

25. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 20, characterised in that the sensor is arranged to send a signal, conveying the identity of vehicle occupant.

26. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is arranged to transmit a signal to the communication assembly which, for example by activation of a relay, causes a difference in the power to be supplied to parts of the communication assembly.

27. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is arranged to transmit a signal to the testing assembly which, for example by activation of a relay, causes a difference in the power to be supplied to parts of the testing assembly.

28. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the communication assembly is arranged to instruct a vehicle to take a test, preferably on or adjacent the road.

29. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the communication assembly comprises a (wireless) transmitter and/or a (wireless) receiver, preferably a (wireless) transceiver.

30. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 29, characterised in that the communication assembly is arranged to transmit an electronic signal directly to part of the vehicle, for example to a audio and/or visual console in the interior of a vehicle.

31. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the communication assembly comprises a road-side object such as an overhead vehicle sign arranged to display a signal, preferably road-side object signalling means is arranged to display vehicle registration plate of vehicle.

32. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the communication assembly is arranged to instruct a vehicle or vehicle occupant in the language of the country of origin of a sensed vehicle instead of or in addition to the language of the location of the communication assembly.

33. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 31, characterised in that the communication assembly is arranged to display the transmitted vehicle registration plate and/or the identity of the registered owner/keeper on a sign as the sensed vehicle approaches it

34. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the communication assembly is arranged to send a signal to the vehicle testing assembly or vehicle occupant testing assembly regarding a notified vehicle and/or vehicle occupant and/or the date and time of notifying a vehicle.

35. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 17, characterised in that the testing assembly is arranged to communicate to a vehicle or vehicle occupant in the language of the country of origin of a sensed vehicle instead of or in addition to the language of the location of the testing assembly.

36. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the testing assembly is arranged to send a signal pertaining to the test results of the vehicle occupant to a remote location.

37. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle testing assembly or vehicle occupant testing assembly is arranged to send at least some information received from a sensor or communication means to a remote location.

38. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor can transmit an electronic signal, the signal comprising information; relating to vehicles and vehicle occupants that have been sensed, to a computer and associated display screen at a remote location, which can be monitored by an operator.

39. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 38. wherein the operation of the communication assembly and/or testing assembly can be controlled by the operatorvia the computer.

40. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is arranged to receive a signal from a computer at a remote location, for example a control centre at the remote location, from which operation can be controlled.

41. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 40, wherein an operator can change the operation of the sensor or the sensor type which triggers operation of the communication assembly and/or testing assembly, for example a sensor which counts and causes testing of every nth vehicle approach to a sensor which senses and tests speeding vehicles or vice versa.

42. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein communication means is positioned on or adjacent road.

43. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 42, characterised in that the test assembly is arranged "down road" of the communication means.

44. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to claim 42 or 43, characterised in that the communication means is arranged "down road" of the sensor.

45 A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly comprising a vehicle monitoring assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, preferably the electronic testing assembly comprises a sight test, and/or a breath testing means arranged to measure alcohol in breath, and/or a tiredness/alertness/reflex testing means.

46. A (road side) vehicle testing assembly comprising a vehicle monitoring assembly according to any one or more of claims 1 to 45, preferably the electronic testing assembly comprises a vehicle light test and/or vehicle indicator test and/or vehicle horn test and/or vehicle exhaust emissions test.

47. A (road side) testing assembly according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the testing assembly comprises an electronic testing means on or adjacent the road.

48. A (road side) testing assembly according to claim 45, 46 or 47, wherein the testing assembly comprises a second communication means arranged to inform vehicle occupant of test result.

49. A (road side) testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 45 to 48, wherein the second communication means is arranged to display result or transmit wireless signal corresponding to result into vehicle.

50. A (road side) testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 45 to 49, wherein the assembly comprises a vehicle movement prevention means arranged to be operable to move in front, and/or behind and/or at one or more of the sides of the vehicle.

51. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 45 to 50, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly is arranged to give test prompt(s) to a vehicle occupant, e.g. display of a false vehicle registration plate for test purposes.

52. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 45 to 51, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises input means arranged to allow vehicle occupant to input, e.g. responses to prompt(s), preferably input means allow entry by occupant of letters/numbers, e.g. to confirm details of a vehicle registration plate being viewed by occupant.

53. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 45 to 52, wherein the assembly is arranged to provide limited time to respond a prompt.

54. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 45 to 53, wherein the testing assembly comprises an eye scanner, e.g. to show pupil dilation.

55. A driving licence comprising an electronic storage means arranged to store date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test, and preferably (wireless) means to transmit and receive information.

56. A method of monitoring a vehicle, comprising the steps of, using an electronic sensor to sense the presence or behaviour of a vehicle or vehicle occupant on a road, using a processor to process the sensed information, and using a signal transmission means to send a signal to an electronic communication means when the presence or behaviour of a vehicle or vehicle occupant is sensed, and using the electronic communication means to instruct the sensed vehicle or vehicle occupant to stop.

57. A meώod of monitoring a vehicle according to Claim 56, whereby the step of instructing the vehicle is carried out whilst vehicle is moving or in use on a road.

58. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to claim 56 or 57, further comprising the step of using a testing assembly to test the sensed vehicle or sensed vehicle occupant.

59. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to claim 58, wherein the method farther comprises the step of identifying a vehicle, and transmitting the identity of the vehicle to the communication means and/or the testing assembly so as to cause the communication means and/or the testing assembly to communicate to and/or test the sensed vehicle.

60. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to claim 59, wherein the method further comprises arranging me sensor and/or the communication means and/or the testing assembly on or adjacent the road.

60. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to any or more of claims 56 to 59, wherein the method comprising determining if vehicle occupant is in at least in some way unfit to control vehicle.

61. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to any one or more of claims 56 to 60, wherein the method also comprises scanning eyes, preferably to show dilation of pupils.

62. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to any or more of claims 56 to 61, wherein the method also comprises storing results of test.

63. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to any or more of claims 56 to 62, wherein the method also comprises communicating results of test to vehicle occupant

64. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to any one or more of claims 56 to 63, wherein the method also comprises receiving information from occupant and identifying vehicle occupant.

65. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to any one or more of claims 56 to 64. wherein the method also comprises communicating date of test and/or results of test to vehicle licence equipped with electronic storage means, method preferably comprises preventing further vehicle movement, e.g. by raising one or more barriers in front, behind or at one or more of the sides of the vehicle.

66. A (road side) (electronic) testing assembly, comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a vehicle occupant breath testing means on or adjacent the road, for testing road users, preferably the breath testing means is arranged to measure alcohol in breath, preferably the testing assembly comprises a sensor arranged to sense a vehicle on the road, preferably the testing assembly comprises a communication means arranged to communicate to sensed vehicle to instruct sensed vehicle to take test.

67. A (road side) (electronic) testing assembly, comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a vehicle occupant reflex or awareness or alertness testing means on or adjacent the road, for testing road users, preferably the testing assembly comprises a sensor arranged to sense a vehicle on the road, preferably the testing assembly comprises a communication means arranged to communicate to sensed vehicle to instruct sensed vehicle to take test.

68. A (road side) testing assembly according to claim 67, wherein the reflex or awareness or alertness testing means comprises a virtual/simulated driving test, preferably the reflex or awareness testing assembly has hand held controller or steering wheel..

69. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 68, wherein the (breath or reflex or awareness or alertness) testing means comprises communication means able to communicate results and/or notice to occupant and/or to communicate results to vehicle authority such as DYLA or police.

70. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 69, wherein the vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness or alertness testing assembly comprises vehicle registration plate reading technology, preferably the sensor comprises the vehicle registration plate reading technology , preferably the sensor is arranged to identify a vehicle on the road, preferably the sensor is arranged to send identity to a communication means arranged to communicate to sensed vehicle to instruct sensed vehicle to take test and/or preferably the sensor is arranged to send identity to a testing assembly arranged to test vehicle occupant.

71. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 70, wherein the testing assembly comprises image viewing apparatus such as CCTV or the like to monitor test avoidance/cheating or so that a vehicle occupant can be remotely monitored, e.g. so they can be instructed how to complete a test or aspect thereof.

72. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 70, wherein the vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly is arranged so that the driver can remain in the car whilst the testing is carried out.

73. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 71, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises a breath testing assembly, the breath testing assembly comprises an automatic means for replacing a part that comes into contact with a mouth of a vehicle occupant between tests (e.g. a breath tube).

74. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 72, wherein vehicle occupant breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly comprises a vehicle stopping means arranged adjacent vehicle stopping area.

75. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 73, wherein the vehicle stopping means is active, e.g. a barrier.

76. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 74, wherein the vehicle stopping means is passive e.g. traffic light.

77. A (road side) testing assembly according to according to one or more of claims 66 to 76, wherein the vehicle stopping means is arranged to prevent vehicle passing until test conducted.

78. A (road side) testing assembly according to any one or more of claims 66 to 77, wherein the vehicle stopping means is be arranged to prevent vehicle passing if breath or reflex or awareness test results indicate occupant not in a condition to drive.

79. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 78, wherein the assembly is arranged to generate a warning for an occupant who fails the test.

80. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 79, wherein the vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly is arranged at a road toll or the like.

81. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 80, wherein the assembly is arranged to send a signal to vehicle stopping means following test, e.g. to cause vehicle stopping means to change configuration to a configuration in which vehicle is permitted to pass or remains stopped.

82. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 81, wherein assembly may have vehicle approach/proximity sensor for sensing a vehicle that is imminently approaching testing assembly, and the testing assembly is arranged to cause test to initiate when vehicle sensed.

83. A (road side) testing assembly according to one or more of claims 66 to 82, wherein vehicle approach/proximity sensor comprises vehicle registration plate reading and vehicle identification system, or a laser or radar breach sensor, or a load sensor, for example positioned in a position on which wheels of vehicle can lie in use (directly or indirectly).

84. A (road side) testing assembly arranged to test sight of a vehicle occupant comprising a sight testing means arranged at a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, preferably wherein the sight test comprises a Snellen chart or (images of) one or a series of vehicle registration plates.

85. A (road side) sight/reaction testing assembly comprising a sight/reactions testing means (arranged on or adjacent a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road), wherein the sight/reactions testing means comprises an image display means for testing sight/reactions of a road user, and means for presetting a minimum viewing distance between the image display means and a testee, preferably the means for presetting a minimum distance comprising a shroud arranged about at least part of the image display means.

86. A (road side) testing assembly for testing vehicles on the road, comprising a vehicle assessment means, such as CCTV, for assessing an aspect of the vehicle, characterised in that the assessment means is arranged to test if part of a vehicle is in working order, e.g. a horn or light(s) or indicator of a vehicle, preferably the vehicle assessment system comprises a sensor arranged to sense a vehicle on the road, preferably the vehicle assessment system comprises a communication means arranged to communicate to sensed vehicle to instruct sensed vehicle to take test.

87. A (road side) testing assembly according to claim 86, comprising an (electronic) (robotic) assessment means for assessing an aspect of the vehicle, characterised in that system is arranged to test if part of vehicle is in working order, e.g. if a horn or light(s) of vehicle function.

88. A (road side) testing assembly (arranged on or adjacent road) comprising load monitoring means for monitoring load of a vehicle, e.g. an overloaded vehicle such as a haulage vehicle, wherein testing assembly comprises a further sensor to identify a vehicle as one which requires testing by load sensing means, and testing assembly is arranged to signal to allow operation of load monitoring means on identified vehicle, and preferably record test result.

89. A (road side) testing assembly acceding to Claim 86 αr 88, system comprising (wireless) communication means for communicating result of assessment to a vehicle.

90. A vehicle monitoring assembly or a (road side) testing assembly according to any preceding claim or independent thereof, comprising means for determining place/country of a vehicle registration plate.

91. A vehicle monitoring assembly according to any preceding claim or independent thereof, comprises means for informing occupant in one or more languages of a sensed place/country of a vehicle registration plate.

92. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprising a sensor arranged to sense the time or distance that a vehicle is continuously in use/in a drivable state.

93. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to claim 92, the vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprising notification means for notifying driver where continuous use exceeds a predetermined threshold.

94. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to claim 92 or 93, wherein the vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprises a testing assembly to test sensed vehicle or driver.

95. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to any of claims 92 to 94, wherein the vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprises sensing time vehicle in use and an electronic communication means to notifying vehicle/vehicle occupant, and a testing assembly to test sensed vehicle or driver.

96. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to any of claims 92 to 95, wherein the vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprises sensing time vehicle in use using a vehicle based sensor.

97. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to any of claims 92 to 95, wherein the vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor arranged outside of a sensed vehicle.

98. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the sensor means comprises a timer means arranged to measure the time a vehicle is continuously in-use by means of a signal from the vehicle ignition switch.

99. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to Claim 96, 98 or 99, wherein the vehicle use monitoring apparatus is arranged to send a signal to the vehicle/for the attention of the vehicle driver if the vehicle has been in continuous use for more man the predetermined time period.

100. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to Claim 95 or any of Claims 96 to 99 when dependent on Claim 95, wherein the communication means comprises a wireless signal transmission means.

101. A vehicle safety apparatus according to Claim 95 or any of Claims 96 to 100 when dependent on Claim 95, wherein the communication means comprises visual or audible notification means to give notice to driver of vehicle.

102. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to Claim 95 or any of Claims 96 to 101 when dependent on Claim 95, wherein the communication means is arranged in vehicle.

103. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to Claim 91, wherein the timer arranged to send a signal to a processor, which senses if the time period measured by the timer is above a predetermined time period to determine if the vehicle has been in continuous use for more than the predetermined time period.

104. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to Claim 91, the timer means is arranged to measure additional time period vehicle is continuously moving/active after a signal to the vehicle, arranged to signal third party if moving/active for more than predetermined additional time period e.g. so a ticket can be dispatched if driver continues driving indefinitely when informed to take a break.

105. A vehicle use monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle use monitoring apparatus comprises a data storage means arranged to save the time the vehicle has been in continuous use, preferably the use monitoring apparatus comprises signal transmission means to transmit usage data to an electronic device at a remote location.

106. A vehicle monitoring assembly, method of monitoring a vehicle, sensor means, communication means, testing assembly, method of testing a vehicle occupant, vehicle activity signal transmission means, "road-based" vehicle use sensing system, "in-car" vehicle use sensing system, or method, vehicle use monitoring apparatus or method substantially as described herein with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings.

107. A vehicle comprising a vehicle use monitoring apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim(s) fitted thereto.

108. A method of monitoring vehicle use comprising initiating a timer when vehicle put in drivable state, preferably using a timer in signal communication with a vehicle ignition so as to measure the time the vehicle is in continuous use, preferably comparing the measured time with a predetermined time threshold to determine if the vehicle has been in continuous use more man the predetermined time threshold, preferably sending a signal to the vehicle driver pertaining to the time the vehicle has been in continuous use, for example to inform the driver that the vehicle has been in use for more than a predetermined time, or to inform the driver of the time that the vehicle has been in continuous use, or to inform the driver of the time remaining before the predetermined time threshold is reached.

109. A method of monitoring vehicle use according to claim 108, comprising communicating signal to vehicle driver when use exceeds a predetermined time period.

110. A method of monitoring vehicle use comprising arranging a plurality of sensors on a road to sense (continuous) use of a vehicle on a road, by arranging a first sensor to sense a vehicle on a main road at a first point where a first subsidiary road runs parallel to die main road, and arranging a second sensor to sense a vehicle on the main road at a second point where a second subsidiary road (next) runs parallel to the main road, preferably for a stretch of main road sensors are arranged to sense traffic on main road at every junction where a subsidiary road runs parallel to a main road so as to provide more accurate measurement of continuous duration of use.

111. A method of monitoring vehicle use according to claim 110, further comprising arranging at least one further sensor to sense a vehicle on the main road at at least one further, consecutive, point where at least one further subsidiary road runs parallel to the main road.

112. A method of monitoring a vehicle according to claim 108, whereby the method further includes sending a signal to a third party such as an insurance company if the vehicle exceeds predetermined period of continuous use.

113. A method of monitoring use of a vehicle, comprising arranging a plurality of sensors to periodically sense and record use of a particular vehicle on a road network, and notify vehicle or driver if vehicle has been sensed more than a predetermined number of times in succession, or is sensed as being on the road network for more than a certain predetermined amount of time, e.g. 2 hours.