Transport for London Implements FORS Gold Standard

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Starting April 2024, Transport for London (TfL) is mandating FORS Gold accreditation or an equivalent scheme for all new Greater London Authority Group contracts over £1 million involving vehicles. This move aims to enhance vehicle safety, aligning with the Vision Zero goal to eliminate road deaths and injuries. FORS, a safety and environmental standards accreditation scheme, has been instrumental in raising industry standards.

Despite a 31% reduction in serious injuries with FORS Silver, fatal collisions involving freight vehicles remain a concern. The shift to FORS Gold ensures operators meet heightened standards, prioritising safety for vulnerable road users. The new requirements won’t affect existing contracts, and suppliers with contracts under £1 million must attain at least FORS Silver. The FORS program assesses fleet performance in areas like safety, environmental impact, and operational efficiency, providing a framework for continuous improvement. TfL’s commitment to Vision Zero involves various initiatives, including the Direct Vision Standard, which reduces blind spots on lorries. Further measures, like a three-star rating or Progressive Safe System for HGVs over 12 tonnes, will be implemented from October 2024.

Read the full article here.

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Fatal Bus Accident Sparks Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures

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Fatal Bus Accident Sparks Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures

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In a tragic incident three weeks ago, a woman lost her life after being struck by a bus outside Victoria station in central London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the pedestrian’s death, which occurred just after 9 am when a bus collided with her outside Victoria Bus Station.

This unfortunate event echoed a similar tragedy at the same station three years prior when a bus driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, leading to the death of another female pedestrian. The bus involved in the recent accident, a number 13 double-decker, crashed into a passenger shelter at Terminus Place.

Despite an immediate response from Metropolitan police units, British Transport Police, and the London Ambulance Service, the woman was pronounced dead at 9:26 am. The bus driver was also taken to the hospital, and efforts were made to trace the victim’s next of kin.

The area surrounding the station was cordoned off with a large piece of black tarpaulin, and specialised police traffic investigators examined the circumstances of the collision. While the bus station was closed for the foreseeable future, the railway station remained unaffected.

In the wake of this tragedy, calls for enhanced safety measures have grown, with a spotlight on how advanced technology, such as the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), could have potentially prevented this incident. DVS systems provide real-time monitoring of a vehicle’s surroundings, utilising cameras and sensors to detect potential dangers and alerting the driver promptly.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed condolences, calling the incident an “awful tragedy” and emphasising the need for a full investigation. The incorporation of DVS systems and other advanced safety technologies may play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future.

Emergency services treated a third person at the scene, who was later discharged. The British Transport Police assisted in the investigation, and Transport for London (TfL) provided support to those affected.

This recent incident, along with the echoes of the past tragedy in August 2021 when Melissa Burr lost her life in a similar collision, underlines the urgency of adopting comprehensive safety measures and leveraging technology to ensure public safety on busy urban roads.

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Leveraging Telematics

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Leveraging Telematics

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A Fleet Witness Success Story In Preventing Vehicle Theft

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the stakes are high, and every minute counts. We recently celebrated a significant success story that underscores the crucial role of telematics in safeguarding businesses against the rising tide of vehicle theft. This incident serves as a testament to the power of cutting-edge technology and quick, decisive action in mitigating risks and ensuring a positive return on investment.

The Incident:
On a seemingly ordinary day, one of our clients faced a potentially devastating situation—a van was stolen in the early hours of the morning. However, thanks to the robust telematics equipment installed in the vehicle and the swift response from Fleet Witness, the story took a positive turn. By midday, the stolen van had been successfully recovered, preventing potential losses and demonstrating the real-time tracking capabilities of modern telematics solutions.

The Role of Telematics:
Telematics has emerged as a vital asset in the logistics industry, proving to be a game-changer in combating vehicle theft. Equipped with GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and advanced features, telematics empower businesses to maintain a vigilant watch over their assets, countering the ingenuity of bold and inventive thieves. Adding an extra layer of prevention, telematics serves as a last resort in the unfortunate event that a perpetrator gains access to the vehicle. While we hope it never comes to that, this additional safeguard underscores the comprehensive security that telematics brings to the forefront of asset protection strategies.

Investing in Good Equipment:
The success story underscores the importance of investing in high-quality telematics equipment. In a landscape where criminal tactics are evolving, having reliable and advanced technology becomes paramount. Fleet Witness’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions ensured that their client had the tools necessary to recover the stolen van swiftly.

Positive Return on Investment:
While the initial investment in telematics solutions might seem like an added cost, the incident clearly demonstrates the potential for a positive return on investment. Recovering a stolen vehicle within hours not only saved the client from financial losses but also preserved the operational continuity of their logistics business. This success story serves as a compelling case for other businesses to prioritise the integration of telematics into their fleet management strategies.

Conclusion:
Fleet Witness’s recent client success story is a testament to the critical role that telematics plays in securing assets and maintaining operational efficiency in the logistics sector. As thieves become more sophisticated, investing in high-quality telematics equipment proves to be a proactive and cost-effective approach. The incident showcases how a quick and decisive response, empowered by advanced technology, can turn a potential crisis into a success story, reinforcing the importance of telematics in the modern business landscape.

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