Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours has equipped its flagship Volvo 9900 coach with the Human Detection System (HDS) from Spillard Safety Systems as one of the first coach or bus operators to adopt the equipment.
It was under development for two years and is “proven to prevent accidents,” the supplier says. HDS has been fitted to the front, rear and sides of the 9900 and intelligently detects only the shape of a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist within 20 meters, all within real time.
When one of those individuals is identified, an audio sounds to the driver. Meanwhile, a cab monitor visualises the hazard and its distance away, including via the use of colour codes.
Director Jon Paul Bretherton (pictured top, centre) says that the Longridge operator will add HDS to other new vehicles when they are purchased. “We always have one eye on new things that can improve the experience and safety of our passengers,” he adds.
“Our longstanding relationship with Thomas Hardie Commercials brought the Human Detection System to our attention, as we decided that we would like to fit it to our latest coach to see what difference it makes.”
The equipment has eliminated all blind spots around the 13m, tri-axle 9900, which Mr Bretherton notes is particularly useful in urban areas.
“There was a bit of resistance at first, like there is with all types of change. However, every driver who has used it would happily say that they prefer to drive the Volvo 9900 over other coaches in our fleet. That includes myself, as I still drive on some tours. I have been very impressed.”
Should an accident occur, the device can be used to help prove responsibility. That has scope to benefit insurance premiums, Spillard says. It works with Thomas Hardie on the product, which proved popular in the freight sector ahead of its rollout to coach and bus.
Says the dealership’s Frontline Truck and Bus Manager Chris Walley (pictured top, left): “We don’t just supply vehicles; we always try to add that extra bit of value to the customer. That is why we are continually looking at new technology, and we knew that HDS would be something that Jon Paul at Bretherton’s Gold Line Tours would be keen to test.
“The retrospective fitting was easy to do, and, so far, the company and its drivers have been impressed with the ease of use and the view the system gives.”
