VisionTrack supplies video telematics expertise to HGV platooning trial

VisionTrack is supplying video telematics technology for a commercial fleet of vehicles that will be used as part of truck platooning trials within the UK.

It will work with Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), which is conducting the tests on behalf of Highways England and the Department for Transport.

A five-camera solution, using a connected digital video recorder (DVR), has been installed to provide visibility of the tractor units and trailers as they go through the many phases of testing

Simon Marsh, managing director, VisionTrack, said: “We are delighted that our video telematics technology is playing an important role in these trials.

“We are supporting the consortium to implement a connected vehicle camera solution that will help establish whether platooning can be allowed to take place on UK roads safely.” 

Other features include front, rear and driver facing cameras, along with side cameras, that will capture video and supporting data regarding what is going on in and around the vehicles.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology is also used, and has been put in place to assess the impact on the workload of the driver while platooning compared to normal operating conditions.

Camilla Fowler, head of risk management at TRL, said: “We have brought together a consortium of partners that delivers a powerful combination of vehicle system innovation, operational experience, robust trial design, coupled with a proven understanding of road safety issues.

“VisionTrack is a leading video telematics specialist that is providing the trial with a vehicle camera and monitoring solution.

“This will enable us to record and measure activity that may be classified as a risk, which will help us understand and quantify the road safety issues of platooning.”

Last year, VisionTrack announced that it planned to double its team by the end of the year.