Introduction: A Partnership Built on Clever Manufacturing
For several years, MetroCount has trusted Ritherdon outdoor enclosure solutions to keep their critical monitoring equipment secure and operational.
MetroCount is a leader in traffic data collection. They help transport agencies and local authorities make data-driven decisions about road networks.
This advanced monitoring technology needs strong protection. This is especially true when you install it outdoors, expose it to the weather and let it run autonomously for months at a time.
That’s where Ritherdon comes in. We provide outdoor enclosure solutions that form part of MetroCount’s traffic technology offering:
- Customised Feeder Pillars—taken from our standard range and modified to fit an off-grid remote monitoring system.
- Bespoke Enclosures—designed specifically to protect MetroCount’s vehicle counters with a durable and robust enclosure solution.
These solutions demonstrate what Ritherdon does best, providing enclosure solutions with flexibility: tailoring standard enclosures where possible and designing from scratch when needed.
The Challenge: Protecting Traffic Monitoring Equipment in Harsh Conditions
MetroCount’s monitoring systems work in remote and exposed places. They must handle extreme weather and potential tampering while functioning reliably for long periods.
They needed two key enclosure solutions for:
1. A Solar Powered Traffic Monitoring Feeder Pillar
MetroCount wanted to power one of their monitoring systems using solar energy, reducing reliance on external power and allowing their equipment to run completely off-grid.
The enclosure had to:
- Securely house MetroCount’s electronics, protecting them from weather, vandalism, and general
roadside wear. - Support solar panels and aerials, integrating seamlessly into an autonomous monitoring setup.
- Be easy to access, so engineers could retrieve data and perform maintenance when needed.
A fully bespoke solution was an option—but modifying a proven Ritherdon Feeder Pillar offered a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective approach.
2. A Dedicated Enclosure for Vehicle Classifiers
MetroCount also needed a highly specialised enclosure for their vehicle classifiers. This required:
- A compact yet robust structure, designed for long-term roadside deployment.
- Tough, weatherproof construction, built to handle everything from scorching summers to freezing winters.
- A reliable manufacturing partner.
With these requirements in mind, we got to work.
The Solution: Ritherdon Engineering in Action
1. Customising a Standard Feeder Pillar for Off-Grid Traffic Monitoring
Rather than starting from scratch, we took one of our stainless steel feeder pillars and customised it to MetroCount’s exact needs. The chosen feeder pillar was an RH300 from the RH Hinged Door Feeder Pillar Range.
- Solar Panel & Aerial Integration – Customised mounting points allowed for seamless installation of MetroCount’s solar panels and aerials.
- Preassembled solutions – Tailored internal fixings with a DIN Rail ensured a tidy, efficient setup.
- Built to Last – Made from stainless steel, ensuring durability in all weather conditions.
This approach gave MetroCount a cost effective, reliable, and field tested solution—delivered faster than a fully bespoke build.
The customised RH300 Feeder Pillar is a good fit size wise and offers easy access with its hinged door. This feeder pillar also has high ingress protection because it comes with no vents as standard.
Learn more about IP Ratings of Pillars and Cabinets.
As manufacturers, we can customise our standard Feeder Pillars and Cabinets, such as our popular RB Cabinets and larger RMC Enclosures. We are able to offer metalwork changes such as adding or removing vents, pent or peaked roofs and adding access panels (also known as ‘cat flaps’). We can also add shelves, 19-inch racks, and more.
Enclosures can be further customised with locks and Accessories like fans, heaters, and thermostats. Additionally, Ritherdon can prewire electrical components, such as consumer units or distribution boards as well sourcing other switchgear upon request.
The Results: A Cost-Effective, Reliable Solution
By customising an existing Ritherdon Feeder Pillar from the range, MetroCount benefited from:
- Faster turnaround – No need for full product development.
- Lower costs – Using a standard base design reduced engineering expenses.
- Proven durability – The feeder pillar already met industry standards for roadside installations.
Now, secure, weatherproof enclosures house MetroCount’s traffic monitoring systems, ensuring uninterrupted data collection.
2. A Bespoke Enclosure for MetroCount’s Vehicle Counters
For the vehicle counters, a fully custom enclosure was the best route.
By working closely with MetroCount’s team, we designed an exact fit enclosure that:
- Provided Durability using stainless steel as a reliable weatherproof solution.
- Custom Powder Coating to MetroCount’s required colours.
- Matched MetroCount’s operational needs, delivering both protection and practicality.
How were Ritherdon able to do this? Because we are manufacturers with an in-house design team.
- An in-house design team to understand customer requirements.
- Manufacturing expertise to make a cost effective quality enclosure.
These enclosure solutions protect MetroCount’s traffic monitoring technology around the world. They help provide accurate, real-time data for better transport planning.
Smarter Engineering, Reliable Solutions
With Ritherdon’s outdoor enclosure solutions, MetroCount benefits from:
- A cost-effective customisation of a proven Ritherdon Feeder Pillar, balancing design and manufacturing speed and flexibility.
- A pre-assembled enclosure for maximum efficiency.
- A bespoke, purpose-built vehicle counter enclosure, designed for durability and ease of use.
- Long-term reliability, thanks to our stainless steel construction and smart design.
By choosing Ritherdon, you don’t just get an enclosure—you get a trusted design and manufacturing partner.
