Llew Jones Coaches has upgraded its existing Centrad vehicle CCTV into a video telematics solution that the supplier says will drive efficiencies and ensure better protection for drivers and passengers at the Llanrwst operator.
A vehicle tracking contract with another provider expired, with Centrad subsequently upgrading the existing CCTV hardware to include live functionality by combining cameras and tracking into one solution.
That includes real-time viewing, GPS tracking, and video playback and download. Centrad says the combination delivers “an enhanced, cost-effective solution that has allowed Llew Jones Coaches to strengthen its commitment to passenger safety, protect its drivers, and improve accountability on the road.”
The operator can also use Centrad’s live solutions to track the boarding and alighting of each passenger. It gives immediate access to video evidence in the event of incidents. Underpinning the platform is the supplier’s fleet management system, Centrad Live.
Llew Jones Business Manager James Hadley says that stricter safeguarding measures have increased expectations on operators to ensure passengers’ wellbeing “at every stage of their journey, from the moment they set foot on a coach to the moment they step off.”
Access to real-time CCTV footage has been invaluable to the operator, preventing situations where without such evidence, the business may have been unfairly held liable for claims that could potentially have cost tens of thousands of pounds.
Mr Hadley notes that with traditional CCTV recording systems, an incident occurring on a touring coach in Europe could have led to major delays in retrieving the footage, sometimes extending into weeks.
“However, the ability to access footage instantly allows us to expedite the claims process significantly, saving on time, stress and cost.”
He adds that being able to upgrade existing vehicle hardware without needing to remove it all and start again was “a significant draw” to Llew Jones Coaches adding 4G to its camera systems. “Not only are we benefitting from cutting edge technology, but we are actually saving money by adopting it.”
The Centrad platform includes a live health check function. It monitors key performance and condition aspects in real-time. Irregularities are automatically detected and trigger instant notifications.
