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

  • Smarter mapping makes for more informed decisions
    December 2, 2016
    Following his keynote presentation at the 2016 ITS World Congress in Melbourne, ITS International caught up with Esri founder Jack Dangermond. It is getting close to half a century ago that Jack Dangermond and his wife Laura founded the Environmental Research Systems Institute – known today as Esri - of which he remains president.
  • Lane departure warning enhanced by video recording
    March 18, 2014
    Meritor Wabco has enhanced its OnLane lane warning departure system with a video safety option that provides the ability to record and save videos of critical safety events. Powered with SafeTraK technology by Takata, OnLane is designed to monitor road markings and the vehicle's position in the lane. The system delivers distinct audible warnings to the driver, encouraging the use of turn signals if the vehicle leaves its lane unintentionally. In addition, OnLane is equipped with what is said to be the in
  • TomTom provides flexibility for Riyadh
    June 1, 2016
    With five years of traffic disruption ahead and an inadequate traffic monitoring system, the authorities in Riyadh needed a solution – and quickly. In preparation for embarking on what is currently the world’s largest metro construction project, the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) in Riyadh needed to put in place measures to minimise the additional congestion and travel delays the five-year project would inevitably cause.
  • London may trial Dutch-style roundabouts
    April 30, 2013
    Roundabouts similar to those used in the Netherlands, which separate cyclists from cars and give them priority, could be used in London as early as next year, according to Andrew Gilligan, the city's cycling commissioner. The layout means cyclists are in the clear line of sight of drivers when vehicles exit the roundabout. The trial forms part of the mayor of London's Vision for Cycling. Over 600 people have been involved so far and the effects on safety and capacity will be studied as well as the impact o