Which method is primarily used for detecting vehicle presence at intersections?

Inductive Loop Detection is widely utilized for vehicle presence detection at intersections due to its effectiveness and reliability. This method involves embedding inductive loops in the pavement surface, which are made of wire and form a coil. When a vehicle drives over these loops, the metallic mass of the vehicle alters the magnetic field around the loop. This change in inductance can be detected and processed by the traffic signal control system, which identifies whether a vehicle is present at a specific location.

This technology is advantageous because it operates well under various traffic conditions, is not affected by ambient light or weather changes, and provides real-time information regarding vehicle presence. The use of inductive loops is deeply established in traffic management systems, leading to their prevalence in intersection design for optimizing signal timing and improving traffic flow.