Less than four months since its launch, the Royal Mail's Safety Concept Vehicle (CM 21 May) has already received its first award. Last week, the concept won the European Transport Training Association's (EuroTra) Safety and Innovation Award, sponsored by Volvo.
The judging panel particularly liked the fact that the concept
highlights the need for increased awareness and discussion of safety across the industry, and that the 55 safety features (of which just 11 are legal requirements) showcase technology currently available to any operator specifying a tractor and/or trailer unit.
EuroTra's citation also notes: "Although the features have added 30% to the cost of the vehicle, the value they represent to a driver's working environment is significant, and shows just how far the freight industry has to go to catch up with the NCAP standard set for car manufacturers. The concept vehicle points the way to a safer future for haulage drivers."
Royal Mail Network Distribution commercial manager Ian Pizzey says: "This is fantastic news and means we will continue to stimulate debate on truck/trailer safety."
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