Vehicle CCTV specialist Centrad has called for pedal monitoring cameras to be required on all new buses across the country.
If adopted, the step would follow a Transport for London (TfL) mandate for such equipment on new buses and its more recent adoption by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), also on new buses.
Centrad acknowledges that pedal confusion errors are rare but that when made via unintentional application of the accelerator instead of the intended brake, they bring with them a risk of a highly damaging outcome.
TfL’s requirement for pedal monitoring cameras forms part of its Bus Safety Strategy. The cameras are fitted within the cab footwell area and can provide evidence in cases of severe incidents.
The supplier adds that their presence also leads to enhanced driver awareness and a reduction in errors by providing data that can be used for targeted training and safety workshops. In one pedal application error in Greater Manchester, two people were killed.
Centrad Managing Director Geoff Cross says that mandating safety measures such as pedal monitoring cameras by TfL and TfGM “is a step in the right direction,” but not something that should be left there.
“Rather than wait for legislation, the industry as a whole should follow suit and align with TfL’s Vision Zero targets by taking proactive steps to embrace technology that will make a tangible difference in improving driver behaviour, with a view to reducing incidents and deaths in the long run,” continues Mr Cross.
He adds that pedal monitoring cameras represent a cost-effective and simple solution “that is quick to install and delivers clear visual evidence that captures the driver’s foot movements in real-time, giving operators the comfort of knowing that they are operating at the peak of safety standards.
“In fact, the incremental cost of such equipment could be less than £75, which when compared to the potential financial outlay of heightened insurance premiums, fines and even legal fees, is wholly insignificant.”
