Carnell have commissioned seven new SafetyCam vehicles which are greener, safer and more cost-effective.
The multi-award-winning safety camera vans now feature solar panels on the roof, meaning they can operate without the engine running, leading to significant fuel and cost savings. This supports the National Highways net zero plan which has ambitions to cut emissions from maintenance and construction, with all plant and compounds to be zero emissions by 2030.
As part of the re-design, several modifications to improve operator safety have been implemented, a response to the increased interaction with members of the public when monitoring vehicles on diversion routes through residential areas.
SafetyCam uses speed camera, ANPR and video technology to continuously monitor driver behaviour with data uploaded to the cloud. This has a high drain on the battery, which meant that the engine was left idling for the entire shift. The new solar panels, combined with an intelligent battery monitoring system, enables the equipment and welfare facilities to operate for approximately 90% of the shift without the engine running, automatically starting up when the battery level is running low. As well as a reduction in cost and carbon emissions, this technology results in better air quality and reduced noise, providing benefits to customers and communities.
The Company says that, because of the conspicuous safety cameras in the rear, SafetyCam is sometimes mistaken for a police camera van. When deployed on diversion routes in residential areas, they have been subject to anti-social behaviour on three separate occasions. SafetyCam Technician Emlyn Bullivant, suggested several modifications to improve operator safety which have been developed over recent months:
• Access from the rear compartment to the driver’s seat – Removing the bulkhead and one of the front passenger seats which enables a quick and safe getaway if required.
• Internal front camera – Meaning both front and rear cameras can be deployed without leaving the van.
• Panic buttons – Situated in the driver and office compartments which trigger the vehicle alarm.
During the development of the new vehicle layout, welfare facilities for site teams have also been improved, with a reconfiguration of the canteen and an expandable toilet cubicle for better accessibility.
SafetyCam has an impressive track-record of effectively eliminating traffic management incursions by members of the public and significantly reducing speeding site vehicles. It is increasingly being used on diversion routes through built up areas at night, having been proven to make a demonstrable difference to driver behaviour. Where violations have occurred, SafetyCam has swiftly provided evidence to the police that has led to 232 prosecutions and 715 warning letters issued to date.
(Picture – Carnell)
