Vision Techniques secures £1m Veolia cyclist safety investment
Environmental services giant Veolia is investing £1 million to improve cyclist safety, using Vision Techniques ‘TurnAlarm’ systems across its refuse management fleet – one of the country’s largest.
The million pound contract will mean every Veolia refuse vehicle will be fitted with enhanced audible and visual awareness when turning, reducing the risk of accidents involving cyclists.
In addition Veolia has now made cyclist awareness key to their vehicle procurement, with Vision Techniques’ TurnAlarm system now a standard purchase on every new vehicle above 3.5 tonnes.
The TurnAlarm functions as both an audio and visual warning to approaching cyclists: high intensity LEDs flash from its side mounted position, and a high volume speaker provides audible warning that the ‘vehicle is turning’.
The contract also includes a module to measure speed, preventing the alarm from activating over 10mph, and cautionary blind spot signs for the rear and near side of the vehicle.
The scheme also includes a cyclist awareness training programme for Veolia drivers which will be completed by September 2015, building upon its existing scheme in London to obtain a ‘cyclist’s eye view’ of a HGV.
John Matthews, fleet director of Veolia, said: “By launching this initiative now we are putting the onus on accident prevention. We believe there will be an enforcement of a minimum cyclist standard for fleet operators in London and around the UK and these measures reflect the need to promote safety in a demanding operating environment.
Michael Hanson, managing director of Vision Techniques, added: “Cyclist safety is key to vehicles driving in any town or city around the country, and we believe by improving both driver and cyclist awareness we can help reduce the risk of these type of accidents on our roads.
“We’re very proud to secure this contract with Veolia thanks in part to our 25 years of expert knowledge and experience and comprehensive range of vehicle safety equipment, and we look forward to more years of working together to improve vehicle safety.”
