Council makes fleet anti-theft and terrorist-proof

Kirklees Council’s new waste and recycling fleet will be equipped with the latest vehicle safety technology, including a new device to prevent vehicles from rolling away, being stolen or used as a weapon of terror.

The 21 new vehicles are being fitted with camera recording systems, reverse radar, the Cyclear cyclist warning system and ID Clear – a new system designed to prevent vehicles from rolling away or being stolen. All the equipment is from UK vehicle safety technology company Innovative Safety Systems (ISS).

Kirklees Council fleet manager, Darren Fletcher, explained: “Our fleet has an excellent safety record and we want to keep it that way. 

“Our existing collection vehicles are already well equipped with a full range of ISS safety equipment, but ID Clear is a new addition. Not only will it prevent potential accidents caused by vehicles rolling away, it will also stop vehicles from being stolen or used as weapons of terror.”

ID Clear incorporates both anti-rollaway and driver ID solutions, with the ability to lock the park brake as the driver exits the cab. As a result, the vehicle is unable to roll away and is immobilised until an authorised driver has been identified using either RFID (Radio Frequency Identifiction), a keypad or a covert actuator.

A safety control unit with monitoring features, protects against external influences, component failure and sabotage.

Fletcher said: “The technology that we install onto our vehicles plays a vital role in keeping the general public and our staff safe.

“We use the recorded camera footage to ensure our vehicle operations are compliant, as well as for monitoring purposes to ensure health and safety best practice is being followed.

“The cameras also provide invaluable evidence in the event of insurance claims, service complaints or accidents. Reverse radars help to prevent reversing accidents and Cyclear works with drivers and cyclists to avert potential collisions.” 

ISS designs, supplies and maintains a wide range of vehicle safety technology, much of which is manufactured here in the UK.

The ISS product portfolio also includes Reaclear (HGV reversing safety device), the RX3 hard disk recording system, LANLink remote footage download, Auto-stop radar and vehicle-tracking systems.

Mike Crowther, sales manager at ISS, said: “Kirklees Council’s commitment to fleet safety is commendable and reflected in its excellent safety record. We are delighted to work with such a progressive organisation.”