FLEET MANAGEMENT | SAFETY & SECURITY
Brigade 'predictive' system aims to prevent accidents Brigade Electronics has launched a predictive collision detection system, called Sidescan Predict, that can discriminate potential collisions and warn the driver in time to prevent the accident. Using artificial intelligence, Sidescan Predict constantly gathers data, such as speed and distance of a cyclist from the vehicle. This data feeds an algorithm that calculates the risk of a collision. Designed for rigid chassis vehicles with a minimum length of 5.2m, the system has six sensors with a detection area of 2.5m.When compared to the industry standard 1-1.5m sensor, Brigade claims that these help to reduce the risk of an accident by an additional 84%. The system is always on at speeds below 22mph and works with or without the vehicle indicators being on. An auto brightness feature adapts to varying lighting conditions within the cabin, so the warning signal is not lost among other warning lights, Sidescan Predict can be fitted to existing vehicles in around six hours and the system can be integrated with other Brigade systems for a more comprehensive overall set-up. “Unlike existing systems, which simply register the presence of a potential obstacle, Sidescan Predict is constantly gathering data in a vehi-
cle’s vicinity,” said Emily Hardy, marketing manager at Brigade. “This provides additional benefits to operators, by significantly reducing false alarms and increasing confidence in the accuracy of warning alerts.”
Licence checking made easy Driver’s licence validation service Licence Bureau has launched a digital licence scanning solution, through its Continuum platform. The system allows companies to scan a driver’s licence through the camera on a laptop, smartphone or tablet, with the data being auto-populated onto the D906 e-declaration form and sent to the DVLA. The driver agrees a mandate for three years, allowing driver detail checks whenever the company requests. “By speeding up the process, drivers are able to get back on the roads quicker and not have to worry about e-mail addresses or wet signatures,” said Jim Kirkwood, CEO of the Licence Bureau’s parent company TTC.
Upgrade to L4V Hook Lock Locks 4 Vans has created the L4V Hook Lock and Anti-Peel Kit, for Ford’s Transit Custom. Developed from the standard Hook Lock, the company has added the anti-peel element to reduce the chance of door peeling. Fitted to the rear barn door, the Anti-Peel plate reinforces the inside edge of the door, while the built-in Hook Lock provides added security. The combination should also keep the barn door secure in the event of the central locking being disabled. “Peel and steel attacks are a perpetual problem and, while our Hook Lock works hard to mitigate this issue, the development team is always proactively looking at how we can improve our offering,” said Jason Fletcher, technical manager at Locks 4 Vans. The combined lock and anti-peel system should also reduce the need for fleet managers to have to replace damaged door panels, which are currently causing delays and downtime for fleets, due to supply chain issues.
Increased security from Van Guard Van Guard Accessories has launched the ULTI Lock hooklock, a Sold Secure Gold Standard locking system suitable for all types of light commercial. The company claims that a van is broken into in the UK every 23 minutes, with an average of £1,692 of tools and goods stolen per van. “With every product we manufacture, we start by listening to the customers, which ensures our new products will meet their precise requirements head on,” said Emlyn Harris, Van Guard’s commercial finance director. “We have focused on an all-encompassing process from product quality to fitting instructions and service delivery. The ULTI Lock hooklock delivers on all fronts and gives our fitting partners the ability to fit a truly exceptional product with market-leading accreditation to back it up.” DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021/2 • VANUSER 27
