FLEET MANAGEMENT
High vis panels help workers stay safe Ford has developed electronic high-visibility rear panels on its Transit and Transit Custom models, which do not rely on other light sources to be clearly visible in the dark. The red stripes are illuminated by electricity passing through a thin lay- a bend – especially on long, dark winer of phosphorus gas – technology al- ter nights. ready used in aeroplane cockpits and on Ford trialled its panels in collaborascreens for medical and military equip- tion with Northumbrian Water Group, ment. When installed, these are activat- enabling engineers to monitor their ed by a switch behind the driver’s seat. effectiveness in real-world scenarios Ford says that many roadside work- and to gauge the benefits of panels that ers operate in high-risk environments. light up – even when other drivers neStandard reflective panels rely on the glect to activate their headlights. Now headlights of other vehicles for illumi- Northumbrian Water Group, which innation and as a result, can be less ef- cludes Essex & Suffolk Water, are the Paths_186x132mm_WIRELESS_RING_AD copy.pdf 1 24/08/2020 10:34 fective when approached from around first commercial users.
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Check your weight
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Technology used in aeroplane cockpits
Every year, the DVSA releases figures that indicate more and more vans are being operated overweight. In 2018-2019, that figure topped 85% and we believe it is still rising. With plans to pull over more LCVs on the roadside and potentially to enforce HGV-like legislation on the LCV market, it could be about time to check your van’s laden weight, especially the individual axle weights. SvTech has discovered many more vans have overloaded rear axles (and subsequently the overall GVW) than previously thought. An overload could invalidate your insurance, and affect your braking and handling. Check your weights and talk to us. www.svtech.co.uk
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MARCH 2021 • VANUSER 19
