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 have 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 its 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.
