Williams Coaches of Brecon will fit the latest Wheely-Safe Connect technology across its 38-strong fleet following a successful trial on vehicles used on a bus service contract.
The product combines intelligent tyre pressure monitoring with wheel loss detection and wheel rim temperature monitoring. In latest generation configuration, it allows data to be transmitted not only to the driver, but also to the operator’s management team.
Such delivery of real-time information allows for quicker identification of issues, improving fleet management, reducing downtime, and enhancing vehicle safety for the business, which is a member of both the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme and the Guild of British Coach Operators.
Williams Coaches first fitted Wheely-Safe Connect to buses that are used seven days per week on the TrawsCymru T4 route between Merthyr Tydfil and Newtown, which is operated jointly with Celtic Travel. Director John Williams notes how that was “the ideal opportunity” to trial the product.
“We fitted it to three vehicles to start with and instantly the drivers were happier,” he says. “Walk-round checks were easier, and it gave real peace of mind – even for hard-to-see rear inner tyres. Now I am happy with the system and how it performs, the plan is to roll it out to the coaches too, so everything in the fleet is protected.”
He adds that the system’s simplicity and effectiveness it one of its major attractions. “Safety was the number one reason for choosing Wheely-Safe. You can have the best procedures in the depot, but things happen out on the road.
“Incidents and accidents can occur, so if we can use the best technology available to protect our fleet and other road users, that is exactly what we will do.
“We have a driver who at his previous company had a wheel come off and bounce down the motorway – he said it was the most horrific thing. Luckily, it did not hit anything, but the consequences for the driver, the company and all involved could be devastating.”
