S&G Transport operates a fleet of trucks and trailers from Hitchcock, north-east of Exeter on the M5 corridor. The trailer fleet includes flatbeds, curtainsiders and chiller units. A significant amount of the company’s business is transporting loads to London, with a focus on refrigerated goods.
S&G, which holds FORS Silver accreditation, needed additional equipment for its fleet to ensure that all London-bound vehicles met the new Progressive Safe System (PSS) regulations for the capital. The company invested in camera solutions from Durite, a leading UK provider of vehicle camera systems and an expert on DVS.
“We’d bought beacon lights for our workshop van from Durite in the past and found them very easy to deal with,” said Stefan Maunder, director of S&G. “We already had cameras on the trucks from a different supplier, so we were simply looking for an upgrade kit to make us compliant with the new regulations and help us maintain our FORS Silver accreditation. Durite were able to quickly identify a solution for us that was very competitive on price.”
From October 2024, all HGVs over 12t operating in Greater London had to be PSS compliant. The new standard aims to build on the existing direct vision capabilities and provides truck drivers with indirect vision, meaning it eliminates the remaining nearside blind spot.
“The drivers absolutely love them, which was a nice surprise as drivers are usually the first to complain when we add new technology to their vehicles,” added Maunder. “They tell me that the Durite cameras make manoeuvring much easier, particularly blindside reversing in and around sites.”
S&G has also added a dash of colour to the cameras. “We take great pride in the appearance of our fleet,” said Stefan. “We’ve had the cameras painted to match our livery and they look fantastic to be fair.”
Durite’s vehicle camera systems are proven to enhance fleet safety and compliance control. Reduced risk of collisions can also mean lower insurance and repair costs, plus improved vehicle uptime. Durite’s DVS kits are designed to be plug n play, enabling fleet operators to fit the technology themselves.
“Durite’s technical team were brilliant,” said Maunder. “They talked us through every step of the process. I would recommend Durite to other hauliers, one hundred percent.”
Transport for London has warned operators that from May 2025, all HGVs over 12t operating in Greater London will have to be PSS compliant or will be fined, as there won’t be further extension of the Grace period. Vehicles traveling through the capital without a valid Safety Permit will be identified by the ANPR cameras and fines of up to £550 per day per vehicle will be automatically issued to fleets in breach.
Durite has been supplying vehicle cameras for more than 20 years and has sold more than 100,000 systems to fleets. The company also provides a comprehensive range of vehicle safety products, making it a one-stop shop for fleet operators. In total it offers more than 5,000 quality parts to customers.
