www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2022 Truck and Track 15 BUSINESS NEWS Jonathon Backhouse, director of specialist transport and logistics lawyers Backhouse Jones, has urged UK fleet operators to ensure they have protocols in place to mitigate the risk of bridge strikes. With over 1900 bridge strikes annually in the UK, the cost in train delays and repairs as a result of incidents totals £23m or £13,000 on average per strike. However, Geoff Cross, Managing Director of vehicle CCTV and telematics specialists Centrad believes fleet operators could go one step further. He says, “The need to educate drivers on company protocols, using the correct applications and offering appropriate training, is of course paramount in driving down bridge strike incidents. “The vast majority of bridge strikes from HGVs result from human error. These could range from a miscalculation of the dimensions of the bridge, taking a shortcut or simply being distracted. “However, I believe fleet operators could mitigate the potential for bridge strikes even further – primarily through implementing cutting edge AI camera technology into their vehicles. “Such products provide proactive real time alerts to fleet managers of any high-risk driving behaviour including mobile phone usage, distraction, smoking and driver fatigue. Equally, such systems also use telematics to warn drivers when low bridges are ahead. “Fleet operators could install a relatively simple LED system, positioned on a vehicle’s dashboard, and their drivers would not only receive instant feedback regarding their overall driving behaviour, but the systemwill also use GPS vehicle location data and mapping to sound an in-cab alert if the vehicle approaches a low bridge. “The key advantage for both fleet operators and drivers of using such a product is if for any reason a low bridge is not included in the database, or the GPS signal drops, the technology will accurately read the upcoming low height warning sign and will measure the dimensions of the bridge. “The importance of having protocols in place should not be underestimated. Implementing cutting edge AI camera technology alongside such procedures will ultimately reduce incidents, avoid penalties and, crucially, save lives.” Centrad welcomes Backhouse Jones’ advice but believes fleet operators could go a step further to avoid bridge strikes TruckEast Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of Harley Coulson as its new Managing Director and Dealer Principal. He will succeed John Biggin who takes on the role of Executive Chairman. Harley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of both the industry and TruckEast. He began his career within the Scania UK network as a full-time apprentice at TruckEast’s now Kings Lynn site, before being appointed Depot Manager, a post he held for more than six years. In 2006, Harley became Regional Manager and progressed his way up to Sales Director by 2014. Harley said: “After being a part of the team at TruckEast for 16 years, it’s an honour to be appointed Managing Director and Dealer Principal. Together with my team, I’m focused on further driving the success of the business.” Taking on the Sales Director role will be Carl Johnson, who joins TruckEast at the same time as Harley and John started their new positions. Carl has many years of experience working within the transport industry. He joins the business after 11 years with Scania GB, where he started off as an Escalation Technician before becoming Sales Manager. He progressed to become National Account Manager where he built solid relationships with customers and dealers, including TruckEast. Carl’s most recent role was Area Services Manager. Commenting on his new position at TruckEast, Carl said: “I am looking forward to working for a family business that commits itself to providing exceptional service for customers as well as really meaningful work for employees. The people at TruckEast have already made me feel welcome and I feel privileged to be a part of and lead such a focused team.” John Biggin, current Managing Director, said: “Harley’s extensive leadership skills and business acumen are two significant assets that will help to continue to drive the business forward. I would like to thank him for his continuous commitment and achievements and wish him the utmost success in his new role as Managing Director of TruckEast.” John also added: “With a solid Scania background and excellent customer relations, Carl will be a great addition to our company, and we too wish him the very best of luck with everything.” www.truckeast.co.uk Harley Coulson is appointed Managing Director and Dealer Principal of TruckEast Harley Coulson Jonathon Backhouse Geoff Cross Managing Director Centrad Ltd
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