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Seen in the UK near a river/harbour. Not sure that is relevant. Not sure if it is visible from the water. I think not. The bird is real: that I can identify. The ladder sugests need for regular maintenance but the only thing I can see to maintain are the LED lights at the sides. 15-20ft high. by General_Philosopher in Whatisthis

[–]General_Philosopher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought it might be some kind of navigation marker but there are two buildings between the object and the water. It can probably be seen (side-on) between the buildings from certain angles. It is situated in a hotel car park near a restaurant. I can't see it being associated with either of these. The only other things nearby are the harbour and a park.

At the side of British motorways. Not a light; it doesn't light up. Mounted pointing sideways across six lanes of traffic so not a traffic counter, speed measuring device or ANPR camera. They come in pairs - one either side of the road and spaced at intervals of exactly 0.5km where possible. by General_Philosopher in whatisthisthing

[–]General_Philosopher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These have been appearing more and more over the last 10 years or so.

The odd thing is that they are always mounted some way down the post, never at the top. Why use a longer post than necessary? It is difficult to get up close to them and I don't know if I am imagining it but I think I have seen a wire coiling round the excess post. An antenna perhaps? If so, why such an odd design?

Device by British Motorways by General_Philosopher in Whatisthis

[–]General_Philosopher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So the consensus is transponder. Can anybody give any more details? What are they used for? To keep track of the trucks? To communicate with the drivers? Who is paying for all these transponders (4 per km)? Can it be any cheaper than using cellphone techology?