What’s the Purpose of That Little White Device on the Traffic Light Pole?

They may be positioned above or beside the roadway, where they have a clear view of approaching traffic.

Unlike a traditional camera, a radar sensor does not need to capture a recognizable picture of a vehicle to detect its movement.

3. Infrared Sensors

Another possibility is an infrared traffic sensor.

These devices use infrared energy to detect objects or changes in the area they monitor. Some systems detect heat emitted by vehicles, while others use active infrared technology to identify objects within a detection zone.

Depending on the design, infrared sensors may help identify vehicles waiting at an intersection or monitor