Newrest, a global leader in out-of-home catering and facility management, provides multisector catering services, including thousands of in-flight meals every week across the UK. With operations at major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, Newrest depends on a sophisticated fleet of catering vehicles designed to load and unload meals efficiently and safely onto aircraft.
However, these specialized vehicles, equipped with refrigerated box bodies and extendable platforms capable of reaching up to 20 feet, present unique safety challenges. Any accidental contact between the platform and an aircraft fuselage could result in significant damage and costly fines. To address these operational and safety concerns, Newrest partnered with us to implement a high-performance Digital Video Recorder System that ensures total visibility, safety, and accountability.
The Challenges Newrest faced
Newrest’s catering trucks are complex, with multiple moving parts and blind spots that make maneuvering around aircraft and airport ground crews a high-risk operation. The company needed a reliable camera system that allowed:
- Real-time and recorded footage monitoring from a remote location.
- Visibility of all critical points on the vehicle, both during loading operations and while driving.
- Protection against costly damages and unjustified liability claims.
With safety and compliance being top priorities, Newrest required a scalable Digital Recording system that could deliver complete coverage, driver assistance, and post-incident verification capabilities.
The TrafficAngel Solution for Newrest
After a detailed assessment, we identified three high-risk zones on each vehicle that required targeted monitoring. An 8-camera DVR system was designed and installed to provide comprehensive 360° coverage.
Cameras on the Extendable Box Body
- Front-Facing Camera – Monitors the extendable platform and ensures it does not come into contact with the aircraft.
- Internal Camera – Records activity inside the refrigerated box, ensuring the security of loads and the safety of crew members.
- Rear Camera – Captures footage of goods being loaded before flights.
Cameras for Vehicle Operation
- Rear Chassis Camera – Provides visibility behind the vehicle for safer reversing.
- Nearside Camera – Eliminates blind spots on the passenger side.
- Offside Camera – Covers the driver’s side blind spot.
- Driver-Facing Camera – Monitors driver behavior and compliance.
- Forward-Facing Camera – Mounted on the windscreen to record the driver’s view of the road and airside routes.
All footage is managed through LiveDrive, allowing fleet managers to access live feeds or review recorded events remotely. The in-cab 7” monitor displays a quad-screen view for real-time driving assistance, automatically switching to full HD when reversing or performing a precision maneuver.
Advanced AI Integration
For Newrest’s older vehicles operating at Heathrow, we integrated our Progressive Safe System (PSS). This advanced AI safety technology alerts drivers to the presence of ground crew around the vehicle, an invaluable feature when operating in busy airport environments like Gatwick and Heathrow.
Results and Benefits
Since installation, Newrest has reported multiple benefits:
- Reduced Liability – Video evidence from the DVR system has exonerated Newrest from false blame in incidents, saving the company significant costs.
- Improved Safety – The AI PSS system reduces collision risk for ground crew when on site, pedestrians, and cyclists when off-site.
- Regulatory Compliance – Vehicles equipped with Traffic Angel systems help Newrest avoid Transport for London (TFL) fines, resulting in daily savings of thousands of pounds.
- Enhanced Fleet Oversight – Fleet managers can now monitor operations in real-time or through recorded footage, enhancing accountability and performance tracking.
Through its partnership with us, Newrest has significantly enhanced its operational safety, compliance, and accountability. The tailored DVR system and AI Progressive Safe System provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for high-risk airport operations. For businesses seeking similar improvements in fleet visibility and safety performance, our integrated camera systems offer proven results, protecting assets, drivers, and reputations.
Contact our team today to discuss the best DVR solution for your fleet and book your installation.
