News

A project to alert truck drivers to security threats and traffic incidents in the country they are about to enter is gaining momentum.

Led by charity People United Against Crime (PUAC), which runs the TruckWatch freight crime reduction initiative, the North Sea Freight and Intelligent Transport Solutions (NS FRITS) project is being backed by Volvo and Vodafone, among  others.

The aim is to establish an IT communications platform that transmits information in multiple languages using Bluetooth technology to drivers' mobile phones or other pieces of kit. The network would be positioned at border crossing points in key transport corridors, initially within the North Sea region, but if successful it could be rolled out nationally.

David Ransom, chief executive of PUAC, says: "In September we are applying for Interreg funding, which is allocated by the European Union to projects involving trans-national cooperation between groups of European regions. We are applying for 50% of the money we need, with the project's partners funding the rest.

"If successful, we hope to begin trials in January 2009, focusing on three transport corridors, including Hull to Rotterdam/Zeebrugge," says Ransom, adding that Vodafone will develop the communications platform.

Although  the communications network could be used to transmit a range of data to drivers, it will initially concentrate on the three core areas of safety, traffic flow and security.

According to PUAC's calculations, theft of cargo and/or vehicles costs the EU economy as a whole more than €8.2bn (£6.8bn) a year. A further 60% in value terms can be added as a result of the disruption to service and supply.

"Through the communications platform we will be able to alert drivers of potential crime hot spots. For instance, we could tell them to avoid a certain truckstop if there have been a lot of thefts there recently," says Ransom.

Don Armour, the FTA's manager of international services, adds: "It sounds like a good idea, providing they can get the funding. Anything that can stop drivers from being attacked or robbed is welcome."