Chris Bowen Specialist Transport purchased front, side and rear cameras for its trucks and trailers, as well as blind spot detection systems and reversing alarms. The investment was part of a drive to move up from Bronze to Silver accreditation with FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.
Ian Hadley, Transport Manager at Chris Bowen Specialist Transport, said: “Fitting the camera systems, along with a rise in our no-claims bonus, resulted in us receiving a discount of nearly £13,000 on our insurance premium,” added Ian. “The cameras were quite a significant expenditure for us, but the drop in our insurance makes it worthwhile.”
The RoadHawk cameras record onto a combination of four-channel DVRs with SD memory cards and eight-channel DVRs with hard drives, ensuring that footage of any critical incidents is safely captured and stored.
The company purchased the RoadHawk camera systems from leading vehicle camera, telematics and fleet management solutions provider Trakm8. Trakm8 is a FORS associate member and had met Chris Bowen Specialist Transport at a FORS event.
“We have had really good feedback from the drivers. I was expecting some negativity, but everybody has responded positively. The drivers find them a big advantage for backing into tight spaces, especially the artics which now have cameras on the trailers.”
The Darlaston-based company specialises in moving challenging or problematic cargo, including abnormal, fragile and wide loads. It achieved FORS Bronze in 2017 and is now working towards Silver accreditation.
“We deliver a lot of air conditioning units nationwide to colleges and hospitals, and increasingly they require FORS Bronze or Silver,” said Ian. “Silver demonstrates that you are a really professional operator, so we are delighted to have achieved that.”
The company has a fleet of tractors as well as low loader and flatbed trailers. It has also recently invested in a high-specification pre-owned DAF with a bespoke interior, and a 17 plate Scania.
“Our fleet is almost now completely Euro VI, so we are able to operate in the London Ultra Low Emission Zone and any other forthcoming Clean Air Zones,” added Ian.