Skip to main content

FTA launches cycle-friendly HGV sat-nav

As part of its continuing efforts to raises safety standards in the logistics industry, the UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) launched what it says is the world’s first satellite navigation system incorporating an HGV Cyclist Alert system. Currently only available in London, the Pro Nav 420’s HGV Cyclist Alert warns the truck driver when approaching a section of road that has been designated by Transport for London (TfL) as a “HGV/Cyclist convergence area”, such as junctions where large numbers of HG
May 28, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
As part of its continuing efforts to raises safety standards in the logistics industry, the UK’s 6983 Freight Transport Association (FTA) launched what it says is the world’s first satellite navigation system incorporating an HGV Cyclist Alert system.

Currently only available in London, the Pro Nav 420’s HGV Cyclist Alert warns the truck driver when approaching a section of road that has been designated by 1466 Transport for London (TfL) as a “HGV/Cyclist convergence area”, such as junctions where large numbers of HGVs and cyclists are present on the roads. Pro Nav 420 notifies drivers with both a visual map overlay displaying a fifty-metre radius hotspot zone, and an audible alert when entering this zone to remind them to take extra care.

FTA’s head of Urban Logistics Policy Christopher Snelling commented “The majority of incidents between cyclists and lorries happen at junctions, so something that draws the drivers’ attention to the issue at the most significant locations is potentially highly useful.  We urge our members to consider fitting these new sat navs when they upgrade their systems.

Mr Snelling added: “Many of these kind technological fixes are being added to vehicles all the time as operators continue to work to improve the industry’s safety record.  But they will only ever be part of the solution to making our roads a safer place for all users.  For the road haulage industry, driver vigilance at all times will always remain the most important factor.  Cyclists also have an important role to play in improving road safety.”

If successful in London, the FTA hopes to roll the system out across the UK and beyond.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Motorcycle Safety Action Plan for London
    March 21, 2014
    The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have published the capital's first Motorcycle Safety Action Plan designed to directly reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists and scooter riders. One of TfL’s top priorities is to reduce by 40 per cent the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on London’s roads by 2020. Recently, the Mayor and TfL published six commitments which, working with a range of partners, are guiding a range of work to deliver this. In particular, ac
  • Section speed enforcements gains global converts
    October 26, 2017
    As the benefits of section speed enforcement are becoming clearer, the technology is gaining converts worldwide. Colin Sowman reports. America’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for urgent action from both road authorities and the federal government to combat speeding which has been identified as one of the most common factors in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. This new call follows the publication of a safety study which found that between 2005 through 2014, 31% of all
  • Survey finds driver demand for connected cars is growing
    July 18, 2014
    Research just released by telecommunications company Telefónica suggests that consumers are ready for connected cars. According to the study, there is sufficient global demand for connected car services, with more than 70 per cent of drivers surveyed saying that they are interested in using, or are already using, connected car services. The survey found that around half of consumers now consider connected features, such as inbuilt connectivity and the ability to plug in a smartphone, a key part of their
  • New technology trials to transform bus safety in London
    August 16, 2017
    Transport for London has announced plans to test new safety technology on London buses. Automatic braking and audible warning systems will be trialled alongside measures including new mirrors to improve the driver’s vision. All the new technology will receive a completely independent trial at the Transport Research Laboratory, whose engineers and technical specialists have been appointed to work with TfL, bus manufacturers and operators to trial a range of innovative safety measures.