Wincanton trials Brigade safety camera system

Transport and logistics giant Wincanton is currently trialling vehicle safety technology from Brigade Electronics, with a view to protecting vulnerable road users and preventing damage to a new shredding vehicle operated by Wincanton Records Management (WRM).

Brigade’s Backeye360 Select was fitted to the 18-tonne vehicle to provide the driver with a ‘bird’s-eye’ view, eliminating blind spots and reducing collisions. The intelligent camera monitor system is designed to assist low speed manoeuvrability by providing a real-time surround view of a vehicle in a single image.

Presenting all-round visibility in one image saves the driver having to process information from several mirrors or monitors in quick succession, making it easier to assess possible hazards.

Bob Chambers, national transport manager at WRM, said: “The innovative system allows the driver of the vehicle to literally see any obstructions or vulnerable road users anywhere around the vehicle.

“As we build up the shred mobile business in and around the City of London, this piece of safety hardware will prove invaluable in keeping a safe interface between our vehicle and vulnerable road users.”

WRM’s high value 18-tonne paper shredder vehicle operates in difficult urban conditions including congestion, with vehicles in close proximity to pedestrians and cyclists. WRM’s focus on road safety is why it has trialled this new technology.

The Backeye360 Select system has a standard dual-view mode which shows a 360° bird’s-eye view and an individual camera view (option of right/left/rear side) of the vehicle.

The set up was well-received, reports Brigade. WRM driver Rebecca Levy said: “I really like the system and really notice the difference when I drive other vehicles now.”

Backeye360 Select software has been updated with the option to provide a full screen 360° bird’s-eye view on a single image. The new software can be acquired by contacting Bridgade.

Rebecca Levy continued: “I personally prefer having the side view as the monitor displays an image of the whole of the left or right side when turning, improving visibility and peace of mind that the manoeuvre is safe.”

Brigade says its choice of two Backeye360 systems now provides customers with a greater variety in feature sets, price and suitability to individual vehicle type.