Centrad: camera tech brings multiple benefits
An increasing number of businesses across the UK are realising the multiple benefits of investing in 360-degree vehicle camera technology for their fleets to protect their drivers and other road users, according to equipment provider Centrad – including from security concerns such as theft and vandalism, as well as safety hazards.
The popularity of dashcams just a few years ago was a catalyst for the growing use in multi-channel camera solutions today, says the company, as fleet operators seek to scale their vehicle camera technology in a bid to extend their duty of care not only for their drivers but for other on-site staff, and other road users.
But it adds that, whereas dashcams were an excellent tool in the aftermath of an event, vehicle camera systems are widely popular among businesses seeking to prevent incidents from occurring.
With the onus on fleet operators to extend their duty of care not only across their own businesses but to other road users, the vehicle camera technology industry continues to evolve rapidly as they seek to find a suitable solution.
As time has progressed the technology has become ever more advanced, says Centrad, and today there are numerous solutions for companies looking for bespoke systems that perfectly suit their every need.
Live systems are one such example, offering remote playback and download of video along with full tracking and telematics. Providing instant access to the vehicle’s camera system, they enable the operator to monitor the vehicles in real time combined with GPS tracking, capturing incidents such as single-vehicle accidents, damage and theft and providing real time alerts to provide total peace of mind.
Geoff Cross, managing director of Centrad, said that, whereas dashcams are still a popular piece of equipment, for example in the event of an accident, more advanced vehicle camera systems offer a more proactive solution helping to prevent such accidents from occurring.
Offering 360-degree coverage around vehicles the modern technology is also popular among fleet managers who say it has brought many more benefits, Centrad reports.
The systems are Direct Vision Standard (DVS) compliant, ensuring maximum safety for their drivers and other road users and allowing them to access more regions. They also play a crucial part in helping companies gain FORS accreditation, the company adds.
As a former fleet operator, Geoff Cross is acutely aware of the importance of cameras to increase vehicle safety and security and the ongoing challenges of theft, vandalism and insurance claims.
He said: “Whereas the primary aim of a camera system is to promote safe driving and vehicle efficiency, cameras of course can identify a range of activities with our customers frequently reporting new and added benefits the systems have brought to their businesses.
“The cameras in the load compartment give companies full view of their goods, not only helping to boost security but also boosting efficiency by enabling them to ensure the vehicle is loaded safely and load space maximised.
“It gives their own customers added peace of mind knowing they are using a reputable company which cares for its drivers, other road users and not least their stock. They have also helped drive down the growing number of fraudulent claims which had become problematic for businesses in more recent years.”
Geoff added: “More than a clever device to help promote road safety among drivers, the cameras are widely regarded as an absolute must among companies seeking to protect their vehicles and brand reputation.”
