Posted: July 2021
UK and EU businesses transporting goods by road through France are being warned that they should be adhering to new safety regulations or they could face fines.
The new legislation, which was introduced to French roads in January, applies to all vehicles operating in France weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, whether they are used for goods or passenger transport. Vehicles will need to have ‘angles morts’ (blind spots) stickers clearly and appropriately displayed on both the sides and rear informing others of the vehicle’s blind spots. Additionally, motor vehicles should be constructed or fitted with one or more indirect vision safety systems, such as mirrors, with a field view that does not include a blind spot likely to obscure a vehicle about to pass it. Controls for such devices should also be easily accessible to the drivers while the vehicle is in motion.
Here at Brigade, we welcome any legislation that helps to improve road safety and decrease the risk of injuries and fatalities. However, mirrors alone are not enough to eliminate blind spots. Therefore, operators could still be fined according to the legislation’s requirements.
In addition to mirrors, we recommend fitting a range of commercial vehicle safety technology. Brigade’s DVS Safe System Kits, which are compatible with London’s Direct Vision Standard – will ensure that operators are fully compliant with legislation across the UK and Europe and that drivers have full visibility of their vehicle’s surroundings.
Brigade’s DVS Safe System Kits are available in two different types – one for rigid vehicles and one for articulated vehicles. Both kits are compliant with London’s Direct Vision Standard as well as all relevant regional laws across the EU, meaning fleet operators can be confident that the systems will meet all necessary legal requirements.
Each kit comprises:
Brigade’s Backeye®360 side cameras – camera monitor systems enable drivers and operators to manoeuvre and drive safely, helping drivers to see blind spots and providing multiple camera images to be viewed on a single monitor, which is mounted in the driver’s cab. Cameras provide a wider angle view than mirrors and are less likely to get damaged, while also offering superior visibility during darkness or poor weather conditions.
Brigade’s Sidescan® Ultrasonic Obstacle Detection for the near side of the vehicle – ultrasonic proximity sensors minimise vehicle damage and help to prevent collisions with vulnerable road users. Perfect for road-going vehicles operating in confined spaces or manoeuvring at low speed, the detection system alerts the driver of obstacles close to the vehicle, whether moving or stationary. An audible and/or visual in-cab warning informs of distance, while an optional external speaking alarm can be added to alert cyclists and pedestrians that the vehicle is turning.
Brigade’s bbs-TI warning alarm, which is activated when the vehicle is turning – mounted to the side of the vehicle, the bbs-tek® turn indicator alarm synchronises an audible warning with the vehicle indicator lights when the vehicle’s nearside indicator is activated. This informs cyclists and pedestrians that the vehicle is intending to turn and allows them to take appropriate action.
For further information about Brigade and our safety products, please get in touch.
