Williams Coaches fits Wheely-Safe Connect

Williams Coaches initially fitted Wheely-Safe technology on vehicles running on a new bus service contract

Brecon-based Williams Coaches, a third-generation family business, is fitting the latest Wheely-Safe technology across its fleet following a successful trial on vehicles running on a new bus service contract.

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Williams Coaches operates across the UK and into Europe. The company – which became the first PCV operator in Wales to achieve DVSA Earned Recognition status last year – is adopting the Wheely-Safe Connect system to further enhance safety, compliance, and efficiency across its 38-strong fleet.

John Williams, of Williams Coaches, said: “We have been really impressed with the simplicity and effectiveness of the system. Safety was the number one reason for choosing Wheely-Safe. You can have the best procedures in the depot, but things happen out on the road.

“Incidents and accidents can occur, so if we can use the best technology available to protect our fleet and other road users, that’s exactly what we’ll do.

“We have a driver who at his previous company had a wheel come off and bounced down the motorway – he said it was the most horrific thing. Luckily, it didn’t hit anything but the consequences for the driver, the company and all involved could be devastating.”

Wheely-Safe technology combines intelligent tyre pressure monitoring with wheel loss detection, as well as wheel rim temperature monitoring.

Following the successful trial, the family business is now rolling out Wheely-Safe Connect across its fleet of coaches too.

The latest generation system enables data to be transmitted not only to the driver in the cab but also to the transport management team back at base. This real-time information allows for quicker identification of issues, improving fleet management, reducing downtime, and enhancing vehicle safety.

Williams Coaches initially fitted Wheely-Safe Connect to its service buses, which operate seven days a week on the TrawsCymru T4 network for Transport for Wales (TfW), running from Merthyr to Newtown and across surrounding market towns.

“When we got the new service bus contract, it was the ideal opportunity to trial the system,” Williams explained.

“We fitted it to three vehicles to start with and instantly the drivers were happier. Walkaround checks were easier, and it gave real peace of mind – even for hard-to-see rear inner tyres. Now I’m happy with the system and how it performs, the plan is to roll it out to the coaches too, so everything in the fleet is protected.

“Maintenance is at the heart of our business – it’s been bred into us through three generations. Anything not done right in the workshop will eventually cost you double out on the road. Wheely-Safe helps us stay ahead of any potential problems.”