Based in Welwyn Garden City, P W Gates is a family-run Logistics company. The Company operates a large fleet delivering over 4,000 pallets daily across the UK and offers comprehensive third-party logistics (3PL) solutions. Their commitment to innovation and efficiency in their business is evident in their investment in a modern fleet of articulated and rigid vehicles.
Challenges that P W Gates faced
Workshop Manager, Lee Fomes, approached TrafficAngel when TfL introduced the second phase of its Direct Vision Standard (DVS) scheme, the Progressive Safe System (PSS), making it mandatory for all vehicles 12 tonnes+ to have PSS installed on them to be able to enter London. Like many companies, P W Gates was looking for a fully compliant and cost-effective solution. Initially trialling a kit from TrafficAngel among other suppliers, they soon determined that the TrafficAngel kit was superior in quality and fully compliant, only providing visual and audible alerts when needed as specified by TfL.
Another challenge that P W Gates faced was getting vehicles off the road for the installation of the new system without disrupting their operations. Also, considering the size of their fleet, finding a supplier that would be able to finish the installations before the deadline.
Solution for P W Gates
Working with Lee, TrafficAngel arranged to do multiple vehicles on the same visit for him to ensure that their fleet is compliant with the new regulations, with ample time to spare before the deadline. The installation schedule was thoroughly discussed, and times were planned for when the vehicles are more likely to be off the road anyway, which would cause the least disruption possible to their operations.
P W Gates had some vehicles that already had an existing DVS phase 1 system, and some that had no DVS equipment fitted. For the vehicles that already had a kit fitted, TrafficAngel engineers checked that the existing equipment was fully operational and just required a PSS upgrade, which incorporates the BSIS/MOIS system. For the other vehicles, TrafficAngel supplied a full PSS, which, along with the BSIS/MOIS, includes additional required equipment: an audible left turn alarm, and near near-side camera with an in-cab monitor.
How the full TrafficAngel PSS works:
- Blind Spot Information System (BSIS): Detects pedestrians and cyclists on the nearside, reducing the risk of side collisions. Our camera system gives a 9m x 2.2m coverage down the nearside of rigid vehicles.
- Moving Off Information System (MOIS): Alerts drivers to the presence of vulnerable road users in front of the vehicle when starting from a stationary position. Our cameras give a coverage of 2m in front and 0.5m towards the corners. The AI detection differentiates between a Vulnerable Road User and street furniture.
- Left Turn Alarm: Alerts pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is turning left with an audible spoken message, enhancing awareness.
- 7” In-cab Monitor: Displays the view from the nearside camera to give the driver a clear view in the vehicle’s blind spot.
After each installation, TrafficAngel Engineers calibrated and tested the system to ensure everything was functional and working as intended, therefore complying with all TfL regulations. After this, our compliance team issued a certification to allow P W Gates and guided them on how to apply for their new Safe System Permit.
Testimonial from P W Gates
Happy with our services and product quality, Lee also brought in 6 other companies to get their fleet done by our system. Below is a short video with what Lee had to say about us –
We thank Lee and the team at P W Gates for choosing TrafficAngel for their PSS.
If you operate vehicles that enter Greater London, please contact TrafficAngel for expert advice and compliance solutions today.
