Eurovia Roadstone Fits Proximity Sensors To Heavy Goods Vehicles To İmprove Road Safety

A study by the Transport Research Laboratory found that 23 out of 92 fatal collisions in London were a result of large vehicles turning left. In Britain, on average, 2706 cyclists are killed or seriously injured on our highways and a large percentage of these accidents involve lorries turning left as they do not have clear visibility of cyclists alongside the vehicle due to blind spots.

With 38 liveried vehicles delivering asphalt across central London, Essex, Suffolk and Kent and a desire to improve safety on our highways, Eurovia Roadstone in conjunction with Brigade Electronics plc chose to develop a solution to the growing problem of cycle safety. As part of a conscious effort to improve road safety, Eurovia Roadstone has undertaken trials and fitted proximity sensors to heavy goods vehicles operating in London, Essex, Suffolk and Kent.

A combination of proximity sensors, cameras and display monitors have been trialled on two vehicles operating in London. Its success has seen a commission to extend the system to remainder of the fleet of liveried asphalt delivery vehicles.

The technology works by mounting sensors at various points along the vehicle which activate when the vehicle indicates left. When the sensors detect activity an alarm triggers in the driver's cab and an image is relayed to a small monitor. The driver is then able to view any potential hazards via a camera which is mounted on the vehicle's wing mirror. When the driver indicates left an external audible warning device, announces, "Caution, truck tuning left." The sensors are also speed sensitive to prevent false alerts when the vehicle is travelling at higher speeds away from urban environments.

Eurovia Roadstone is part of the Eurovia Group and after the successful trial of this new system, a rollout has begun on the remainder of the Eurovia Roadstone liveried fleet.

"This system requires a relatively low investment but can deliver huge road safety benefits," says Pat Riley, Director of Eurovia Roadstone. "Fitting one heavy goods vehicle with the sensors, camera and audible alert costs in the region of £750 - a small price to pay for a reduction in casualties and potential loss of life."

Having large vehicles operating in urban areas present challenges to the safety of road users and after a series of near-misses being reported, Eurovia Roadstone felt it extremely important to honour its responsibility to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. This new development represents a two year journey to bring it to fruition.

This new initiative from Eurovia Roadstone has seen them shortlisted in the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Awards for both the Technical Application and Road Safety categories.

The lorry proximity sensor cameras are the latest step forward in bringing increased protection to cyclists, drivers, road users, members of the public and also to the well-being of Eurovia Roadstone staff and hauliers.