Stagnoli Traffic Light Control Panels: Automated Traffic Management and Fire Safety for Multi-Storey Car Parks

Stagnoli traffic light control panels are advanced traffic signal control units designed to eliminate collision risks and ensure safe evacuation in multi-storey car parks, underground garages, and high-density residential or commercial complexes.

Installing a dedicated traffic regulation system transforms a standard access ramp or alternating one-way lane into an active safety system capable of communicating directly with the building’s alarm and fire detection systems.

In environments characterised by limited visibility and restricted manoeuvring space, automated traffic control prevents vehicle congestion, significantly reduces the accumulation of exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), and minimises the risk of accidents.

Through integrated safety traffic signal management, vehicle flows can also be redirected or blocked automatically in the event of a fire, smoke detection, or another emergency.

Safety as a Priority: A Multi-Storey Residential Case Study

Effective vehicle flow management in underground car parks requires deterministic access control, particularly in multi-storey structures equipped with helical or straight single-lane ramps.

In a recent project involving a residential and commercial complex with more than 150 parking spaces, the installation of Stagnoli traffic signal control units addressed two key requirements: improving traffic flow during peak periods and ensuring the safety of the entire infrastructure in the event of an emergency.

The main operational issue was the high risk of vehicle gridlock along the primary ramp when entry and exit manoeuvres occurred simultaneously.

The control panel was configured to manage inductive-loop vehicle detectors and infrared photocells. The resulting traffic regulation system assigns right of way according to predefined priority logic, preventing vehicles from entering the controlled area from opposite directions at the same time.

This form of automated traffic control avoids standstill situations that could delay emergency vehicles or obstruct the evacuation of occupants.

Safety Traffic Signal Logic and Reverse Operation During Emergencies

The technical operation of Stagnoli control panels is based on programmable priority logic that switches immediately to a dedicated safety mode when a critical event is detected.

The relationship between normal and emergency operating states is precisely defined to protect occupants, drivers, and emergency personnel.

Normal Operating State: Alternating Traffic Logic

Under normal conditions, the control panel grants a green signal to the first vehicle that activates a detection sensor.

At the same time, the signal controlling traffic from the opposite direction switches to a fixed red light and remains red until the vehicle has completely cleared the monitored area.

This alternating traffic control logic ensures orderly vehicle movement and prevents simultaneous access to a single-lane ramp or restricted transit area.

Fire Alarm State: Reverse or Mirror Logic

When the smoke or fire detection system is activated, the Stagnoli control panel receives a priority emergency signal.

The standard operating logic is immediately overridden, and the safety traffic signal management procedure is activated:

• all entrance traffic lights switch instantly to fixed red, preventing additional vehicles from entering the hazardous area;
• traffic lights positioned along designated evacuation routes switch to fixed or flashing green, guiding vehicles already inside the garage towards the exit;
• normal access priorities are suspended until the alarm condition has been cleared.

This reverse or mirror logic allows the traffic regulation system to support the building’s evacuation strategy and reduce the risk of vehicles entering areas affected by smoke or fire.

Regulatory Framework and Fire Safety Compliance

Compliance of automation systems for garages is bound by ministerial decrees governing fire safety and worker protection. The modern performance-based approach requires that control panels be integrated into the building’s overall safety plan.

Reference Regulation	Scope of Application	Requirement / Impact on the Traffic Light Project
D.M. 3/08/2015 (Fire Prevention Code)	Civil and industrial buildings	Promotes the performance-based approach: the traffic light is an integral part of evacuation and escape route control systems.
D.M. 15/05/2020	Garages with a surface area >300 m²	Mandatory vertical technical regulation. Requires controlled flow management so as not to hinder evacuation in the event of fire.
Circolare VV.F. 17496/2020	Garages with a surface area <300 m²	Guidelines for structures below the threshold, which still require minimisation of blockage risks along the ramps.
D.M. 01/09/2021 and 03/09/2021	Workplaces (e.g. company car parks)	Governs control, the establishment of registers, and mandatory periodic maintenance of active safety systems.

Specific Benefits for Safety and Design Professionals

The adoption of Stagnoli control panels provides tangible advantages for all professionals involved in building design, installation, management, and safety.

For Designers and Building or Civil Engineers

The system can be integrated into BIM models and fire prevention projects and configured according to the technical requirements of D.M. 15/05/2020 for vehicle transit and ramp management.

Its modular design allows the traffic regulation system to be adapted to straight ramps, helical ramps, alternating one-way lanes, vehicle access points, and complex multi-level layouts.

For Health and Safety Officers

Automated traffic control objectively reduces the risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians in company yards, underground car parks, and restricted manoeuvring areas.

In an emergency, dedicated safety traffic signal management ensures a controlled evacuation flow and prevents vehicles from entering hazardous zones.

For Installers

The intuitive wired or wireless architecture, removable terminal blocks, and integrated LED diagnostics simplify installation, testing, fault identification, and commissioning.

Stagnoli traffic signal control units can be connected to inductive loops, photocells, traffic lights, alarm systems, backup power supplies, and additional control devices.

For Business Owners and Property Managers

The use of reliable industrial components supports compliance with the maintenance and inspection obligations established by D.M. 01/09/2021.

The system is designed for intensive, heavy-duty operation and provides consistent traffic control in residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings.

 

About Stagnoli

Stagnoli Accessories is a solid Italian manufacturing company based in the Brescia area, founded in 1981. The company specializes in the design and production of accessories for gate automation (Home & Building Automation) and industrial luminous signaling. Although it has a strong international vocation—exporting to over 50 countries worldwide—it proudly maintains its entire production chain in Italy.