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Ford has introduced the first hands-off driver assistance system that can be used on motorways.

BlueCruise makes its debut on the Mustang Mach-E and is approved for use on UK roads by the Department for Transport (DfT).

It enables hands-free assisted driving at speeds of up to 80mph.

The system monitors road markings, speed signs and evolving traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking and lane positioning, as well as to maintain safe and consistent distances to vehicles ahead – right down to a complete halt in traffic jams.

BlueCruise is classified as a Level 2 autonomous system and can be activated on 2,300 miles of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland and Wales, designated as Blue Zones. Drivers must remain attentive at all times and are monitored by an infrared camera continually.

If the system detects driver inattention, warning messages are first displayed in the instrument cluster, followed by audible alerts, brake activations, and finally slowing of the vehicle while maintaining steering control. Similar actions are performed if the driver fails to place their hands back on the steering wheel when prompted when leaving a Blue Zone.

Owners of 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles in Great Britain are the first to be able to activate BlueCruise via subscription. The first 90 days are included with the vehicle purchase and, thereafter, a £17.99 monthly fee applies.

Ford engineers undertook 100,000 miles of testing on European roads to validate latest-generation advanced driver assistance systems including BlueCruise and its supporting features, in addition to over 600,000 miles covered in the US and Canada before the system was introduced to those markets last year.

Validation drives in Great Britain helped prove out the ability to handle circumstances drivers encounter every day, such as worn-out lane markings, poor weather and roadworks.

Torsten Wey, manager for advanced driver assistance systems at Ford Europe, said: “There’s a good reason why Ford BlueCruise is the first hands-free driving system to be cleared for use in a European country: We’ve proven beyond doubt that it can support the driver while also ensuring that they keep their eyes on the road for their safety and that of their passengers while the system is active. That means BlueCruise can make other road users’ journeys more comfortable too.”

Driver monitoring system

Thatcham Research vehicle technology specialist Tom Leggett says that before BlueCruise can be enabled, a driver monitoring system (DMS), using infrared cameras positioned in the instrument cluster, will ensure that the driver has their eyes on the road.

“Crucially, the driver is not permitted to use their mobile, fall asleep or conduct any activity that takes attention away from the road,” he explained.

“This demonstrates just how important DMS is, not only in enabling current assisted driving technology like BlueCruise but also as we move towards fuller levels of automation in the future.”

He explained: “Although the vehicle can help control speed and position in lane, the driver is still wholly responsible for safety.

“It’s therefore no surprise that Ford and other car makers are looking to introduce technologies like this ahead of ‘Level 3’ automated lane keeping systems, which have experienced lingering questions around liability especially.”

Because BlueCruise users remain responsible and liable, says Leggett, a lot of the legal and technical complexities of automation and self-driving have been avoided, while still offering drivers a beneficial comfort feature that can reduce fatigue on long, monotonous journeys.

He concluded: “We would expect car makers to ensure safe adoption by way of driver education and clear messaging in the vehicle manual and on the dashboard.”

As of January 2023, car manufacturers are able to seek type approval to launch Level 3 technologies with expanded self-driving capabilities at speed of up to 80mph.

The rules previously capped the use of such systems to 37mph, but were not adopted by the UK Government. Ministers gave the green-light to allow self-driving cars last August.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Skid resistance, a critical measurement reflecting the friction between a vehicle’s tyre and the road surface, is indispensable for road safety as it directly influences a vehicle’s stopping, steering, and control capabilities. In the UK, the Department for Transport has set forth regulations prescribing minimum skid resistance values to guarantee safe driving conditions; however, considering the current condition of numerous roads, are these minimum standards being achieved?

Various factors can impact skid resistance, encompassing surface texture and material, road surface condition, tyre type and condition, and environmental conditions such as moisture, temperature, and road debris. Gradually, road surfaces can deteriorate and become smoother, diminishing skid resistance and amplifying accident risks, especially in wet or icy conditions.

This issue is already concerning for petrol or diesel vehicles, but driving electric cars on roads with potholes and low skid resistance can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Skidding-induced loss of control is a major contributor to numerous accidents (particularly on wet roads). Special focus should be directed towards carriageway surfaces with skid-resistant properties, especially in areas where braking is common, like intersections, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, and bends or steep inclines.

Electric cars deliver instant traction to the wheels, which requires exceptional grip if skids are to be avoided and maximum range maintained as a result of adequate skid resistance.

Resurfacing UK roads is crucial to maintain safe driving conditions and avert accidents. The resurfacing process involves applying a new material layer, such as asphalt or concrete, over the existing road surface. This can restore skid resistance, enhance ride quality, and prolong road lifespan.

Additionally, resurfacing can improve road surface drainage, mitigating standing water and hydroplaning risks. Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates between tyres and the road surface, causing tyres to lose road contact and making vehicle control challenging.

Several permanent and temporary fixes include:

Retexturing: Mechanical reworking of the current surface to augment frictional characteristics and skid resistance. Common methods involve removing material from the road surface using diamond grooving, shot-blasting, bush hammering, or high-velocity water blasting.

Resurfacing: Involves cost-effective thin surfacing treatments to enhance surface texture, wet road skid resistance, and seal the surface against water penetration while arresting existing road surface disintegration.

Surface Dressing: Applies a bitumen emulsion spray onto the road surface, followed by a layer of high Polished Stone Value (PSV) chippings.

High Friction Surfacing (HFS): Utilizes refractory grade calcined bauxite, a highly durable aggregate (with high PSV) for sustained skid resistance. HFS systems can be thermoplastic (hot-lay) or thermosetting (cold-lay) resin binders.

Porous Friction Course: A highly permeable asphalt layer with continuous voids, accommodating low to moderate rainfall intensities runoff. This material enhances skid resistance at high traffic speeds, minimizes water sprays, and reduces aquaplaning possibilities.

Alongside resurfacing, other measures to enhance skid resistance on UK roads include employing road markings and textures to increase road surface grip, refining drainage system design and placement, and performing regular road maintenance and cleaning to eliminate debris and optimize surface conditions.

In summary, skid resistance is a vital element of road safety, particularly for electric cars. Resurfacing UK roads is essential to preserve safe driving conditions. Consistent road maintenance and improvements can ensure that roads remain secure and navigable for all users. By Graham Hill

I came across the following article and thought that it was interesting. Brand is important to the companies that own them so if you’re cut up by a branded van or car, putting lives at risk, maybe you should give them a call. Here’s the article:

As a fleet manager, keeping drivers and vehicles safe is the number one priority. But it is not the only one – you must also endeavour to keep your brand as safe as possible.

Why does it matter?

How many times have you seen a lorry bearing the name of a big brand stuck at the side of the road? Or a tradesperson’s van with their company logo smashed to pieces?

This is before we start to think about how many drivers have been seen caught in a bout of road rage.

In fact, 55% of business car drivers have previously admitted to shouting, swearing and making rude gestures to other drivers. This is not the impression of your company you want the public to be left with.

In the crashes themselves, the vast majority of focus rightly goes to the safety and health of the driver. Once that is established, and the proper support given it is important to note the impact a crash can have on a brand.

Leaving a vehicle stranded for days is not a good look and neither is the resultant potential for social media snaps to go viral.

Indeed, social media creates a risk that one bad incident in one location could soon be beamed around the world.

While previously any fault or driver indiscretion might have been seen by a few passing motorists, it now has the potential to be an image or video shared widely and quickly.

The heavy lifting of policing poor driving is often performed by a bumper sticking asking, “How is my driving?”. I don’t think I have ever met anyone that has ever made use of the number provided. So what are your other options?

The good news

The flip side of the risk is the undeniable benefit of the hundreds or thousands of drivers who see the name of your company on the roads every day. In fact, this is an important part of many company’s marketing strategies.

For instance, if you live in, or regularly visit London, you are probably familiar with the loud, red, white and blue vans of Pimlico Plumbers.

Seeing them everywhere gives the impression that they are always available if you need them. This is exactly the impression that an emergency plumber wants to cultivate. Plain white liveries would not have the same impact.

While some accidents are unavoidable, and for the most part professional drivers are just that, professional, there is clearly room to improve and provide a helping hand to drivers.

The technology available in vehicles nowadays can be a real help to both drivers and fleet managers, and more help is on the way.

Dash Cams have long been a part of a fleet manager’s arsenal, but while they might have once been used purely to help prove fault in the case of an accident, they are now evolving to stop these accidents from happening in the first place.

Furthermore, Dash Cams also often record inside the vehicle too, a useful way to protect drivers and brands from baseless claims or help understand the cause of crashes.

Ultimately, the most important thing to do is to ensure that the fleet is maintained to a high standard, drivers are given the training and schedules to help them perform at a high level and every precaution is taken to protect the brand on the roads, including new technology.

Your brand is a valuable asset, handle it with care.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Government has announced £47.5 million of new funding to improve safety on 27 of the country’s most dangerous roads.

Through the third round of the Safer Roads Fund, the Department for Transport (DfT) says that 27 new schemes will be delivered, driving forward safety improvements such as re-designing junctions and improving signage and road markings.

To date, £100m has been provided through the programme to improve the 50 most dangerous roads in England, the majority of which are rural roads.

Some of the improvements already made include improved signage, safer pedestrian crossings and better designed junctions.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said: “Britain’s roads are some of the safest in the world, but we are always looking at ways to help keep drivers and all road users safe.

“We’re injecting £47.5m so that local councils around the country have the support they need to keep everyone safe, while reducing congestion and emissions and supporting local economies.”

The allocation of £47.5m to 27 different schemes has been based on data independently surveyed and provided by the Road Safety Foundation.

The data analysed is based on a road safety risk, looking at data on those killed and seriously injured alongside traffic levels.

According to Road Safety Foundation analysis, early estimates suggest that the £47.5m investment should prevent around 760 fatal and serious injuries over the next 20 years, with a benefit to society of £420m.

Once the whole life costs are factored in for the schemes, the overall benefit cost ratio of the investment is estimated at 7.4, meaning for every £1 invested the societal benefit would be £7.40.  

Dr Suzy Charman, executive director of the Road Safety Foundation, said: “The commitment and funding announced today is transformational for road safety teams in local authorities across the country.

“It will allow them to proactively reduce risk and make these 27 roads safer and more inviting for all road users.”

She explained: “Systematic changes have already had a big impact on road death and serious injury, for example seatbelts and airbags protect lives when crashes happen.

“In the same way we can design roads so that when crashes happen people can walk away, by clearing or protecting roadsides, putting in cross hatching to add space between vehicles, providing safer junctions like roundabouts or adding signalisation and/or turning pockets, and including facilities for walking and cycling.”

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said that redesigned junctions together with clearer signage and better road markings are integral to improving safety.

However, he added: “While we’re pleased the Government is taking steps to tackle some of the country’s most dangerous routes, we remain keen to see its wider plans to reduce the number of fatalities as part of the long-awaited road safety strategy.”

Jonathan Walker, head of cities and infrastructure policy at business group Logistics UK, welcomed the Government cash to improve the safety of the roads network.

“It is now imperative that Government and local authorities work with the logistics industry to ensure that safety of road users continues to be prioritised, while maximising the efficiency of freight movements,” he added.

The latest round of funding from Government builds on its plans to recruit a specialised team of inspectors to build the country’ first ever Road Safety investigation Branch.

The team will look at how and why incidents happen and build an enhanced understanding of how we can better mitigate collisions. 

The 27 safety schemes receiving DfT funding 

Road	Local Authority	Funding (£)
A586	Blackpool Council	1,100,000
A35	Bournemouth Borough Council	1,890,625
A2010	Brighton and Hove City Council	600,000
A52	Derby City Council	475,000
A104	Essex County Council	1,360,000
A35	Hampshire County Council	6,040,000
A5183	Hertfordshire County Council	1,800,000
A165	Hull City Council	2,990,625
A3056	Isle of Wight Council	2,140,000
A5105	Lancashire County Council	920,000
A5038	Liverpool City Council	859,375
A186	Newcastle Upon Tyne City Council	3,650,000
A6130	Nottingham City Council	950,000
A609	Nottingham City Council	475,000
A4158	Oxfordshire County Council	800,000
A4165	Oxfordshire County Council	875,000
A2047	Portsmouth City Council	1,300,000
A6022	Rotherham Metro. Borough Council	750,000
A6042	Salford City Council	743,750
A4030	Sandwell Metro. Borough Council	750,000
A625	Sheffield City Council	1,425,000
A3025	Southampton City Council	875,000
A13	Southend-on-Sea Council	3,425,000
A1156	Suffolk County Council	1,275,000
A25	Surrey County Council	1,800,000
A439	Warwickshire County Council	1,320,000
A3102	Wiltshire Council	6,980,000
		47,569,375

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

There were almost 2,500 casualties in relation to drug-driving in 2021, representing a 260% increase since 2012, analysis of data from the Department for Transport (DfT) suggests.

The issue has also been felt in the courts, says IAM RoadSmart, with the number of drug-driving convictions increasing year-on-year, reaching 12,500 in 2019.

Almost half (44%) of these crimes are perpetrated by repeat offenders, with many of these cases occurring within one year.

IAM RoadSmart’s analysis comes amid worrying reports that, due to testing protocols which requires blood samples to be taken by a healthcare practitioner, some police officers are resorting to bringing drug-driving suspects to A&E departments to take a sample.

A IAM RoadSmart survey of 2,028 motorists found that one-in-10 respondents said that they have driven, or been a passenger in a vehicle, where the driver has been under the influence of illegal drugs.

The survey also discovered that 6% of people would be comfortable driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, and 14% of those surveyed stated that they would not stop a family member or friend who was planning to drive while under the influence of drugs.

IAM RoadSmart’s most recent annual safety culture report showed that motorists consider drink and drug-drivers as one of the biggest risks to their personal safety – more than other issues such as speeding on residential streets, people driving aggressively or not wearing a seat belt.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “With cases surging and attitudes as they are, Britain’s drug-drive picture is a bleak one.

“IAM RoadSmart has already proposed a smart package of solutions to help address this issue, including: developing a dedicated drug-drive course, prescription reform and for the Government to finally release the outcome of its own drug-driving consultation.

“If these are actioned, we might finally see progress made on this critical road safety issue before more lives are tragically lost.”

IAM RoadSmart recently called on the Government to reform the approach to drug-driving. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Cars with keyless entry systems are twice as likely to be stolen as those without, according to data from Aviva.

The insurance firm is warning vehicle owners to be on their guard, as dark nights and modern theft methods create a perfect landscape for criminals.

ONS data shows keyless entry was the most common method of access for vehicle thefts in England and Wales in the year ending March 2020, accounting for more than a third (36%) of incidents. This increased from 13% in the previous year.

The data also reveals that three quarters of vehicle-related thefts (76%) occurred during the hours of darkness.

Aviva said the proportion of incidents where vehicles were actually taken in the dark – as opposed to items taken from vehicles – has actually fallen, suggesting thieves are becoming more daring.

Alec Reeder, performance lead at Aviva General Insurance, said: “While vehicle security has developed and improved in many ways, unfortunately criminal activity is evolving too. Over the past two years, we’ve found claims for stolen keyless vehicles are twice as likely as those for non-keyless vehicles.

“While theft claims account for only a small proportion of our vehicle claims overall, we understand that a stolen car can be very distressing for owners. We’d encourage people to take extra precautions, particularly at this time of year, when thieves have the added advantage of reduced daylight.

“Seemingly old-fashioned mechanical devices – such as a steering wheel or foot pedal lock – can be a useful visible deterrent, encouraging thieves to think twice. Other steps include using a signal blocking pouch for keys, or parking in a garage or secure area where possible. Cars really can be gone in 60 seconds, so it’s vital that motorists stay one step ahead of the criminals.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Metropolitan Police data has revealed that tool theft from a vehicle has increased by 25% in the past year – accounting for a third of all tool thefts recorded in the capital in 2021 and 2022.

There were 34,712 tools stolen in London alone from January 2021 to October 2022. That’s a 62% increase on the 21,445 tools stolen from January 2019 to December 2020.

Tradespeople are 10 times more likely to experience tool theft from a vehicle than they are from a building site or their place of work – with only 14% of cases leading to the suspect being identified.

The Tool Theft in London 2022 report, collated by Herts Tools, come from a freedom of information request to the Metropolitan Police.

The data reveals the impact of tool theft in London, the most affected industries and the types of tools that are targeted most often.

Just 0.3% of all cases (3 cases per 1,000) between January 2021 and October 2022 ended in a charge for the suspect.

A suspect is 20 times less likely to be charged for tool theft from a vehicle than they are for any other theft category.

Stefano Lobban, director at Herts Tools, said: “It’s disappointing to see that the tool theft epidemic is getting worse in London, particularly from vehicles that now often have theft deterrents in place.

“It’s not surprising to see that high-price items such as powered hand tools are still the most sought-after by thieves. Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, the trade for secondhand (and potentially stolen) tools is booming, tempting more people into stealing tools

“We’re urging those across all trades to double-check they have theft security measures in place, to avoid falling victim to crime.”

How to prevent tool theft

• Don’t store tools in your van overnight.
• Get a tool safe if you have to leave any tools in your van.
• Always lock your van’s doors during the day, to keep opportunistic thieves out.
• Park in a busy area covered by CCTV.
• Fit an alarm to your van.
• Mark tools with your name and postcode.
• Use security tags or chips to deter thieves and help recovery if something is stolen.
• Apply brightly coloured paint to make them more identifiable and less attractive to thieves.

By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Drivers should be responsible for ensuring all their passengers wear seatbelts and face larger fines for not buckling up, according to a new study by the RAC.

Research that coincides with the 40th anniversary of the UK’s seatbelt law found that more than two-thirds of motorists (68%) believe drivers should be penalised if their passengers aren’t wearing a seatbelt.

The study also found that a quarter of motorists (24%) believe the current law – where a driver can be fined up to £500 for not buckling up – is too lenient, with a clear majority of these (69%) thinking that those who break the law should pay both a fine and receive at least three points on their licences.

Simon Williams, RAC road safety spokesman,  said: “Forty years on from the introduction of what is undeniably one the most important road safety laws, it’s still the case that far too many people don’t wear seatbelts – something that’s a factor in around 30% of all road deaths each year. It’s also sadly the case that people are twice as likely to die in a crash if they’re not wearing one.

“The statistics are stark, yet some people are still prepared to take the risk and not wear a seatbelt. This obviously begs the question what can be done next. Today’s anniversary, perhaps, provides the ideal moment for the Government to show it’s serious about improving safety on our roads and put an action plan in place for getting more of us to buckle up in the first place.”

Four per cent of drivers – the equivalent of around 1.7m full driving licence holders in Great Britain – admit to driving without a seatbelt over the last 12 months, with around a fifth of these (22%) saying they don’t belt up at least half the time. In contrast, 7% of respondents admitted to not wearing a seatbelt when travelling as passengers in other vehicles. Drivers only have responsibility to make sure they and any children in their vehicles are buckled up properly.

Williams added: “Our research shows drivers are clearly supportive of greater penalties, which we know the Government is considering. But arguably, toughening the law isn’t enough: drivers need to think there’s a good chance of being caught in the first place. If they don’t, there’s every chance they’ll carry on as normal – just as we see day-in, day-out with plenty of drivers still prepared to illegally use a handheld phone while behind the wheel.”

Seatbelt laws are at risk of being lost or watered down, accroding to RoSPA. The road safety organisation said that while seatbelt usage features in the Road Safety Act, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 is set to make critical information on who, where and when people should wear seatbelts unclear.

Nathan Davies, head of policy at RoSPA, said: “Wearing a seatbelt is not just ‘common sense’. Making seatbelts a legal requirement changed behaviour, and drove up usage by 55 per cent almost immediately.

But recent Department for Transport data shows us that compliance is the lowest it has ever been since the law was introduced, and that means that people still need laws which reinforce the importance for them and the other occupants of vehicles. By removing seatbelt laws, we expect usage to fall, and fatalities will then inevitably increase.

“Throwing vital seatbelt laws in the air at a time they are most needed will set the stage for thousands of the public being killed and injured on the road, leaving behind loved ones, friends and family. We must not throw away the progress made over last 40 years of mandatory seatbelt usage and urge the Government to tackle these vital laws with the time, respect and attention they deserve.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Government is proposing reform of drug-driving laws to bring them in line with drink-driving legislation.

New plans, unveiled by the Department for Transport (DfT) recommend drug-drivers be required to undertake rehabilitation courses before being allowed back behind the wheel.

Drink-drive related deaths have fallen 88% between 1979 and 2015. However, there has been an increase in drug-related driving offences, with more than 12,000 convicted in 2019 and 44% committed by re-offenders. 

Currently, those convicted of drug-driving are handed a driving ban, prison sentence or fine by the courts, but are not required to complete rehabilitation courses before resuming driving – unlike drink-drivers.

In a call for evidence, Government is asking whether drug-drivers should likewise have to undergo rehabilitation, helping better protect the public.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Drink-driving is now rightly seen as a social taboo by most of us in this country and we have worked hard to drive down drink-drive related deaths.

“But if we are to make our roads safer still, there is no room to be lax on drug-driving, which is why I have launched this call for evidence today.

“It’s only right that drug-drivers must undergo rehabilitation before getting back behind the wheel, helping protect the public from this hidden problem and stamping out drug-driving for good.”

Non-attendees to drink-driving rehabilitation courses are over twice as likely to commit a new drink-driving offence within three years, so by offering high-risk drug-driving offenders the same support, Government hopes to bring down the number of repeat offenders.

RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “We welcome proposals to offer drug-driving offenders rehabilitation courses, in the same way those caught drink-driving are offered them, because the evidence shows this helps to reduce reoffending and improves road safety.”

DfT statistics show that 713 people were seriously injured in drug-driving collisions in 2020, up from 499 in 2016, and some police forces are arresting more drug-drivers than drink-drivers.

The call for evidence launched today will also ask whether we should bring the way specimens are taken in line with current medical practice by using vacuum blood extraction, decreasing the risk of blood borne viruses to healthcare professionals.

It will also seek views on the relationship between medicinal cannabis and road safety, in another move to ensure road safety policy keeps up to date with changing societal norms.

This is the first of several steps Government is taking this year to reduce the problem of drink and drug driving. Later this year, Government will seek views on other drink and drug driving matters, such as failing to stop after a collision and the criminal use of vehicles. 

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “The AA welcomes this announcement in an effort to make our roads safer while offering help to those who want to stop taking drugs.

“Drug driving court cases have risen from just under 1,500 in 2015 to 13,700 in 2020, which shows a growing problem that police forces are rightly seeking to stop. Likewise, we are encouraged that more drivers are being tested, to deter people from driving under the influence of drugs.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Vehicle CCTV has been effective in slashing personal injury claims and reducing insurance premiums, according to Brigade Electronics UK. 

The survey of drivers, fleet managers and other industry professionals found that 29% said personal injury claims had dropped, while 32% saw a reduction in insurance costs.

From 360-degree all round protection to vehicle CCTV, cameras have significantly reduced collisions and injuries, successfully protecting fleets, safeguarding drivers, and shielding vulnerable road users from harm, says Brigade.

The size of commercial vehicles means that vehicle blind spots are a major factor in collisions across all industries.

Operator positions, bulky bodywork and the absence of rear windows all contribute to restricting and limiting a driver’s visibility.

Installing cameras, either at the point of manufacture or retrospectively, has proved to be invaluable in preventing collisions, protecting equipment from damage and minimising the associated financial costs and downtime.

While preventing deaths and injuries on the road and in the workplace is no doubt a number one priority for fleet operators, keeping equipment safe and maintaining fleet efficiency are also top of the agenda.

Cameras with 360-degree capabilities that can be combined with vehicle CCTV are making a huge difference in helping to manage fleets, maintain safety and keep vehicles secure.

The introduction of high definition (HD) is enhancing these safety camera options, says Brigade.

Emily Hardy, a vehicle safety expert at Brigade Electronics UK, explained: “High definition cameras, such as Brigade’s Backeye360 HD BN360-300, are offering complete security and peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers by ensuring that blind spots are eliminated and acting as a reliable eye-witness in the event of an incident, false claim or theft.

“HD provides better clarity with clearer, crisper images for drivers and operators, making the resulting footage invaluable in terms of both safety and security.”

High definition means a high-resolution image will be displayed on a driver’s monitor, providing clarity and detail, allowing them to see an object or person in a vehicle’s blind spot with ease, says Brigade.

The difference between high definition and standard definition is the number of pixels contained in the displayed image.

HD images have more pixels per square inch than standard definition. This means a HD system will show much finer details than standard definition systems. Typically, HD is referred to as 720p and above.

Hardy said: “At Brigade we recommend using analogue rather than digital HD cameras as they offer many benefits for commercial vehicles drivers.

“These include being able to transmit video over traditional cabling across distances as far as 500 metres – plenty of cabling length for any commercial vehicle.

“Additionally, there is no video latency, so drivers will benefit from a true view of everything on the monitor.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News