Bretherton’s fits Human Detection System
Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours has equipped its latest 53-seat Volvo tri-axle 9900 coach with Spillard Safety Systems’ Human Detection
System (HDS). Suitably impressed with the technology, the Ribble Valley-based operator plans to fit the Human Detection System to any new vehicle it purchases going forward.
The safety solution has been developed over the last two years and is now being rolled out across the bus and coach sector, delivering an additional measure to help prevent accidents and reduce injuries and save lives.
The HDS has been fitted to the side, front and back of the coach. It is designed to detect the shape of a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist within 20 meters in real time. Once detected, an audio alert is delivered to the driver, as well as clearly visualising the distance by measurement and colour codes displayed on the cab monitor.
As well as keeping pedestrians and drivers safe, the HDS helps a vehicle comply with the Direct Vision Standard introduced by the Mayor of London in March 2021.
“The fact it also only picks up the human shape is also a major benefit as our driver knows if he gets an alert he needs to act” – Jon Paul, the third-generation family owner of Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours
Jon Paul, the third-generation family owner of Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours, said: “We always have one eye on new things coming out
that can improve the experience and safety of our passengers.
“Our long-standing relationship with Thomas Hardie Commercials brought the Human Detection System to our attention and we decided that we’d fit it to our latest vehicle to see what difference it makes.
“First and foremost, it has eliminated all blind spots which is massive for us – especially in crowded towns and cities. The fact it also only picks up the human shape is also a major benefit as our driver knows if he gets an alert he needs to act.
“There was a bit of resistance at first, like there is with all types of change. However, every driver who has used it would happily say they prefer to drive the Volvo 9900 over other ones in our fleet. That includes myself, as I still drive on some of the tours – I’ve been very impressed.”
The equipment was supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, which has worked with Spillard Safety Systems for 15 years, offering the Wolverhampton firm’s range of solutions to its growing client base in the north west.
“It is great to see Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours embrace our Human Detection System and, importantly, enjoy such a positive experience” – Pete Spillard, Managing Director of Spillard Safety Systems
Pete Spillard, Managing Director of Spillard Safety Systems, said: “It is great to see Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours embrace our Human Detection System and, importantly, enjoy such a positive experience.
“Like with all new products, we are listening to and building in feedback to make it even better for existing and new users.”
Jon Paul added: “In addition to increasing safety and giving driver’s greater visual awareness, the platform can also be used to prove responsibility if an incident does occur.
“This can help with reducing insurance premiums and can avoid expensive pay-outs if you have been wrongly accused of an accident.”