Summary
The safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists is a priority for Transport for London and the Mayor of London’s office. The results of our independent tests are helping Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) operators improve the features of their vehicles to help reduce collisions between HGVs and vulnerable road users.
The challenge
There are a number of technologies that can be fitted to HGVs that help drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists on the road, particularly in the area known as the blind spot.
We were asked to test these technologies for their effectiveness and create new standards for performance testing criteria: the distance objects can be detected, how easily the equipment detects vulnerable road users, and how reliable the equipment is.
Our approach
We invited a number of companies across the UK to take part in our evaluation and to become one of the first suppliers to be accredited using the new standard testing criteria.
We assessed the full range of blind spot safety technologies available, including camera monitoring systems, optical and radar detection systems and other sensors fitted to HGVs.
The results
Our research is readily available online. It is used to increase awareness of and encourage a wider take-up of safety initiatives that will help save lives on the roads in London and across the UK and has been used to inform the development of the first test house protocol for aftermarket devices.
HGV operators use the information to make an informed choice about the safety equipment they invest in for their fleet vehicles. Safety product and HGV manufacturers use the research as a base for further innovation and development.
