Navevo announces HGV cyclist alert feature

Navevo has launched the ProNav HGV Cyclist Alert, which is supplied as standard on the new ProNav PNN420 sat nav for HGV drivers and soon to be rolled out across all current ProNav systems.

The unique safety feature makes the ProNav range the first HGV-oriented sat navs to include junction alerts at high convergence areas of HGVs and cyclists.

In recognition of the growing number of cyclists in London and the safety risks that arise when HGVs are traversing busy London junctions and interchanges, ProNav's HGV Cyclist Alert is designed to notify drivers of high HGV/cyclist convergence areas and prompt them to take extra care.

The ProNav HGV Cyclist Alert software has been developed in association with Transport for London (TfL).

It aims to provide a commercial vehicle driver with an audible and visual alert as they approach a junction (or section of road) that has been determined to be a location where there are regularly high volumes of HGVs and cyclists.

A warning symbol is displayed on the navigation system's mapping that projects a 50m radius "warning zone" around each HGV/cyclist convergence area, and drivers are also provided with a short audible tone as a reminder, allowing plenty of time to check for any cyclists on the road.

It uses data provided by TfL and the most up to date Department for Transport HGV and pedal cycle flow figures for London's road network.

The dataset uses this information to identify locations where large numbers of HGVs and cyclists converge.

Initially, 100 high convergence areas across London have been included (as alerts at every junction would be counterproductive to drivers).

Working with other local authorities both in London and nationally, Navevo plans to increase the level of coverage and will provide free updates when new data becomes available.

"A navigation system is something a driver is likely to be listening to as they approach a junction and so it makes perfect sense to also alert the driver of the risk of cyclists, reminding them to be observant and drive safely," said Navevo CEO, Nick Caesari.

"The safety of drivers, cyclists and other users of the road is a concern for everybody and we are proud to lead the navigation industry by launching this world first safety feature, which we believe could significantly contribute in improving road safety and reducing the number of incidents involving HGVs and cyclists."