Sentinel to introduce advanced reversing AIDS for haulers at RWM 2016

Commercial vehicle safety specialist, Sentinel Systems, for the 10^th year running is exhibiting at the RWM Exhibition 2016, to be held September 13-15, Birmingham, UK, where it will introduce its new generation of reversing radar systems to the refuse and waste market. The company has exhibited at the show for many years and has displayed its evolving range of systems designed to aid refuse collection vehicle drivers and help protect the lives of vulnerable road users. This year, having worked with a large number of local authorities and private collection companies, Sentinel has launched a new reversing system that benefits drivers, personnel and the operators themselves.

Based on the innovative technology used to create Sentinel’s patented Auto-braking Reversing System, the new generation of radars utilizes new and advanced components to offer improved performance whilst continuing to offer an accurate and reliable auto-braking device.

Sentinel’s range of Reversing Radar Systems is particularly beneficial to refuse collection vehicles as it protects personnel working outside the vehicle. The system itself is installed at the rear of the vehicle and is designed to detect obstructions such as buildings, objects or people whilst the vehicle is reversing. The radar then audibly warns the driver of the obstruction indicating them to stop, or for the ultimate prevention aid, can physically stop the vehicle in its tracks. Once the obstruction has passed, the system resets itself and allows the driver to resume their manoeuvre.

Having the system installed not only encourages responsible driving but could potentially save fleet operators or local authorities a significant amount of money in insurance claims and damages.

The Reversing Radar Systems can be enhanced using a number of Sentinel’s additional safety products, including various external and internal vehicle cameras and the award-winning Bike Hotspot system. A selection of Sentinel’s most popular solutions will be on display on the on the stand to demonstrate how each system works. Some of Sentinel’s safety aids, including cameras and reversing systems will also be installed on display vehicles on the stands of Faun Zoeller (stand 5W10-Y11) and Refuse Vehicle Solutions (stand 5W120-X12), to also highlight the features and benefits to their customers. A Sentinel 4-vehicle camera system and Bike Hotspot will also be installed on a 16-tonne Iveco vehicle with a Heil Farid T1H14 body, displayed on CNH Iveco’s stand (stand 5X40).

For many years, Sentinel Systems has worked with local authorities and waste collection companies to provide tailored safety solutions for fleets. This year in particular Sentinel has worked with Midlothian Council to provide 4-camera systems to new food waste collection vehicles to assist in the efficient day-to-day operation of the new service.

Trevor Docherty, Travel and Fleet Services Manager at Midlothian Council commented, “Having Sentinel’s four-way camera system installed on our new food waste collection vehicles not only offers the ultimate protection for our drivers but allows us to monitor the services they are performing and to use the captured footage to settle any cases that may occur with residents.”

He continued, “As an everyday service, these particular vehicles are also subject to difficult driving conditions and by installing the cameras we can improve these for our drivers, including the crucial warning of approaching cyclists and pedestrians. Sentinel’s solutions were not only right for what we wanted to achieve but also fairly priced making it the best package for our requirements.”

Sentinel has also worked with London-based civil engineering contractor, J B Riney & Co.

Barry Parker, Head of Fleet at J B Riney & Co. commented, “We have been using Sentinel’s safety systems on our vehicles for several years since we were given the opportunity to trial their cyclists safety equipment.”

He continued, “We have since installed the same system on all of our HGV vehicles in our fleet, with some of our larger vehicles now using Sentinel’s complete camera systems and mobile recording device. Not only were the systems competitively priced, but Sentinel has been great to work with since our initial trial and provide an excellent service. If we ever need new or replacement systems, we will always contact Sentinel.”

Sentinel Systems has been designing and manufacturing vehicle safety systems for 30 years and has developed many solutions for commercial vehicles in a wide array of sectors. Each of the company’s systems can be developed to create bespoke product packages to meet the safety requirements for each fleet. Its range of cameras, radar systems and recording units are all installed by the company’s team of nationwide engineers throughout the year, with 24/7 maintenance support available to ensure vehicles and system downtime is kept to a minimum.