What is the term for traffic detectors used to sense vehicle presence?

Inductive loop sensors are designed specifically for detecting vehicle presence by using electromagnetic fields. These sensors are installed in the pavement and work by sensing changes in the inductance caused by the presence of metal in a vehicle. When a vehicle drives over the loop, it alters the magnetic field, triggering a signal that indicates its presence.

Inductive loop sensors are widely used in traffic control systems due to their accuracy and reliability. They can handle multiple vehicles and are less affected by environmental factors compared to other types of sensors. As a result, they are a well-established choice for traffic detection at intersections and in parking facilities, making them integral to managing traffic flow effectively.

In contrast, infrared sensors, radar detectors, and magnetic sensors each have different operational principles and may not focus specifically on the accurate detection of vehicle presence in the same manner that inductive loop sensors do.