To mark Road Safety Week, we’d like to give you an update on how the new connected technology on our 250-strong transporter fleet will comply with the Direct Vision Standard, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.
In October, Copart introduced an integrated solution which combines a fleet management platform from Webfleet Solutions with connected cameras from VisionTrack.
The connected technology has been rolled out across both Copart’s existing and new transporters, in preparation for the introduction of The Direct Vision Standard in London, where around 20% of our transport fleet currently operates.
The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows and it is due to come into force from March 2021.
To protect vulnerable road users, not just in London but in all areas where our fleet operates, we’re installing VisionTrack’s five camera solution with DVS kit as standard on all new Copart transporters, regardless of where they are deployed to. This means the connected forward, rear and side-facing vehicle cameras will be supplemented with side sensors and left-turn warning alarms.
We’re delighted with the wealth of benefits this system will provide to protect the safety of our drivers, other road users and the vehicles collected, which are of course our customers’ assets.
Starting at the front of the transporter – we have a forward-facing VT-C20-IPC camera, considered one of the very best cameras available for forward perspective due to its 170-degree wide angle lens.
Along the side of the transporter, the VT-408-HD side cameras were created to Copart’s specification to include a 150-degree wide angle lens. This provides not just side coverage but extends out to an additional area where vulnerable road users may be.
There are even connected indicators meaning that, for example, when the driver indicates left the cameras along the left side will automatically spring into action. This is going to be particularly useful in built-up areas.
Two VT-646 rear cameras on each back pillar of the transporter use a wide splitter, which takes two images from each camera and combines them into one fully comprehensive picture. This is a huge advantage to our drivers when they are manoeuvring and loading/unloading vehicles.
Coupled with the camera solution is the DVS System – a group of sensors mounted around the side and rear of the transporter, creating the ability for a left-turn alert. If the driver indicates left at below a certain speed, an alarm will sound to warn pedestrians that the vehicle is turning left.
And, a high definition display monitor on the dashboard allows our drivers to see everything that these cameras see outside the vehicle, including clear visibility of the potentially vulnerable area down the left-side of the vehicle.
To see more, check out the Copart Case Study video from Vision Track.
“Technology plays a huge part in everything we do at Copart, and our fleet is no exception. As we enter our busy winter period, visibility and poor weather conditions can become more prevalent, making this investment into connected technology across our transporter fleet very timely.
“Road Safety Week highlights the importance of driving carefully and safely and we’re pleased to be supporting this with the introduction of a DVS compliant integrated solution that could ultimately save lives.”
Phil Briggs – Director of Operation Centres, Transport and Engineering, Copart UK
Copart would like to thank Vernon Bonser (Sales Director) and John Crawford (Business Development Manager) from VisionTrack for creating the Copart Case Study Video, which was filmed on location at our Operation Centre in Sandy.
Road Safety Week (16th-22nd November) is the UK’s biggest road safety event, coordinated annually by Brake, the road safety charity. Road Safety Week aims to boost awareness and inspire organisations and communities to promote life-saving messages around road safety. The theme for 2020 is NO NEED TO SPEED.