Investment for drivers' safety at Fakenham hauliers

The significant rise in traffic on the UK's roads has led one of the region's biggest hauliers to invest in equipment to help keep its drivers safe.

Jack Richards in Fakenham, a member of Palletways, Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, has fitted in-cab camera systems across its 33-strong fleet.

The vehicle cameras provide all-round visibility, high quality recording and security of evidence to help protect drivers in the event of an accident, attack or road rage assault.

Dominic Purslow, depot principal at Jack Richards, said: “As other hauliers and private road users will recognise, over the last few years there’s been a significant increase of traffic on the UK’s roads. The quality and reliability of our service to our customers has always been paramount. At the same time however, we also focus on the safety and security of our drivers on these busy roads. And it’s in this area we’ve sought to protect our team members, assets and our business.

“I recognised the need and value to fit vehicles with cameras that can collect evidence in the event of a driving-related issue or collision, as well as protect us against spurious and even malicious insurance claims. We turned to FLEETSense, an independent and leading fleet management specialist, which has supplied us with a five-camera system in each vehicle that can provide instant access to incident footage, covering all angles, including from the driver’s cab.

“We take the personal security of our most valued asset - our drivers – extremely seriously so installing in-cab cameras was an obvious requirement.”

Tom Dickerson, managing director of FLEETSense, added: “Road rage prevention and protection is key for many businesses. Driving-related incidents can put businesses’ drivers in the firing line and cause costly losses. The benefit of having video camera footage means drivers have support in the event of an incident but it also helps them to maintain good driving behaviour, which covers areas of safety as well as fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle wear.”

Just weeks after they’d been fitted, one of Jack Richards’ vehicles was involved in a road incident. Despite conflicting witness statements, the video evidence was undeniable and as a result, the matter was resolved quickly in Jack Richards’ favour.