Carnell have commissioned seven new SafetyCam vehicles which are greener, safer and more cost-effective.

A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

The multi-award winning safety camera vans now feature solar panels on the roof and an intelligent battery monitoring system which generates fuel and cost savings, and results in better air quality and reduced noise, providing customer benefits when working in residential areas.

The SafetyCam Operator sits in the rear workspace using speed, ANPR and video technology to continuously monitor driver behaviour with data automatically uploaded to the cloud. This has a high drain on the battery which used to require the engine to be idling for the entire shift. The solar panels and Eco-Smartcharge 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.

ENSURING OPERATOR SAFETY

Because of the conspicuous safety cameras in the rear, they are sometimes mistaken for police camera vans and when deployed on diversion routes in residential areas, have been subject to anti-social behaviour on three separate occasions. SafetyCam Technician Emlyn Bullivant, who in 2021 was presented with a prestigious Highways Hero Award, suggested several modifications to improve operator safety which were 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 from inside the van.

Panic buttons
Situated in the drivers and welfare compartments which set off the 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 and privacy screen for better accessibility.

IMPROVING DRIVER BEHAVIOUR

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.

For more information, email Mark Frost at mark.frost@carnellgroup.co.uk.