It's not Big Brother's traffic detector

Q: The new traffic signal being installed at the intersection of Tharp and Butte House roads in Yuba City has a camera on top facing the westbound traffic. What is Big Brother up to and where will this feed ultimately go?

A: New technology probably makes your fear of Big Brother reasonable. But the device you see is a video detection camera to control the signal, said Yuba City Public Works Director George Musallam.

Video detection cameras and electromagnetic metal plates beneath the pavement are the two main ways of controlling traffic signals.

There's another thing often seen next to traffic signals that's sometimes mistaken for a camera. It's the device that picks up transmissions from police cars and other emergency vehicles and turns the light green. Yuba City Police Department cars, for example, activate the devices whenever their lights and sirens are turned on.

The new signal will be welcomed by residents of the nearby Del Prado Mobile Home Park, who often tell Since You Asked that heavy traffic on Butte House Road makes exiting the park difficult.

A family fitness center is still in the works at the southeast corner of the intersection, according to Aaron Bush, the city's community development director. The facility will make the signal more needed than ever.

Since You Asked is published Tuesdays. Send questions to reporter Rob Young at the Appeal-Democrat, P.O. Box 431, Marysville CA 95901, email him at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com or call 530-749-4710.