For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
EMERGENCY VEHICLE. A vehicle equipped and identified according to law and operated by the Apple Valley Police and/or Fire Departments or any
other vehicle so recognized by written agreement with the City Council.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL PREEMPTION SYSTEM (TSPS). A traffic control system designed for use by emergency vehicles to improve traffic movement by temporarily controlling signalized intersections. The TSPS is comprised of the following four separate components: an emitter, a detector, an indicator and a phase selector.
(1) EMITTER. A high intensity light source that is attached to the emergency vehicle and functions like a strobe light, pulsating at a frequency in excess of ten “beats” per second. As an emergency vehicle approaches the intersection, this pulsating light is received by a detector that is located at or near the traffic signal.
(2) DETECTOR. Relays the coded message to the phase selector, located in the traffic light control box, which then either holds the existing green light in favor of the approaching emergency vehicle or accelerates the normal cycle of a signal change to provide green by the time the vehicle reaches the intersection.
(3) INDICATOR. A light source located near the detector which is directed toward the oncoming emergency vehicle to indicate to the driver whether or not the traffic signal has been preempted in their favor.
(‘81 Code, § 19-91) (Ord. 401, passed 8-27-87)
(4) EMERGENCY RESPONSES. A call for service that requires the operator of the emergency vehicle to respond to an observed or reported incident involving personal injury, medical emergency, property loss or crime in progress.