System for remote control of retractable, ground-based vehicle barriers

A system for controlling access to a vehicle parking space, comprising:

• a remote control unit having a transmitter, a processor, and an activation control for causing the processor to activate the transmitter to transmit a control signal, the activation control including a biometric sensor;
• wherein the biometric scanner is selected from the group comprising a retinal scanner, a fingerprint scanner, and a microphone;
• and
• a vehicle barrier mounting in the parking space, the barrier having:
• a frame adapted for mounting in the surface of the parking space;
• a panel pivotally mounted on the frame, the panel being pivotal between a vertical position blocking vehicle passage into the parking space and a horizontal position permitting vehicle passage into the parking space;
• at least one electric motor coupled to the frame, the motor being configured for pivoting the panel between the vertical and horizontal positions;
• a motor controller connected to the at least one electric motor;
• a transceiver configured to receive the control signal;
• and
• a processor connected to the transceiver and to the motor controller, the processor being configured for activating the motor controller to pivot the panel between the vertical and horizontal positions in response to the transceiver receiving the control signal;
• wherein the motor controller activates each of the at least one electric motor in response to the received control signal.

A method for controlling access to an emergency lane of a highway, comprising the steps of:

• mounting a plurality of barriers in the emergency lane, the barriers being spaced apart and pivotal between a vertical position blocking passage in the emergency lane and a horizontal position permitting passage through the emergency lane, the barriers having at least one motor for rotating the barrier and a transceiver connected to the motors;
• and
• transmitting a control signal from a remote control unit in an emergency response vehicle to each barrier of the plurality of barriers, each barrier automatically rotating from the vertical position to the horizontal position upon the transceiver receiving the control signal to permit passage of the emergency response vehicle, the rotating of the barriers occurring selectively from sequential and simultaneous;
• whereby the emergency lane is selectively reserved for emergency response vehicle passage.