After a successful trial, Ealing will become
the first council in the country to fit the Cycle
Safety Shield warning system to its entire fleet of large goods vehicles. The system recognises pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and warns the driver if a collision is about to occur. In particular, it should help prevent injuries from
lorries turning left. In the trial 15 potentially serious
collisions were avoided. The system can also save money. By monitoring the way the vehicle is driven it provides feedback that encourages the driver to accelerate and brake in a way that reduces fuel consumption. The trial showed it could save £1,000 per vehicle per year. The system will be fitted to 39
Murrill construction vehicles and 63 Amey refuse and
recycling lorries. ECC is very pleased to see the council
leading the way on this. If other councils and contractors
follow it could dramatically reduce cycle casualties.
