Called Apollo Live, the system is an axle bridge linked with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) for integrated security barrier control.
As the vehicle moves over the axle bridge, the system captures ANPR and weight data simultaneously, sending this information to a secure portal. The data includes individual and gross axle weights, and the portal delivers the data in a real-time environment via a customisable dashboard.
Key to its appeal, says VWS, is that physical data retrieval is no longer necessary. Operations director Trevor Evans explains: “Previously, vehicle operators had to rely on manual or traditional methods, such as downloading the weight data to a memory card and physically visiting the axle bridge.”
He adds: “It allows customers to make immediate changes to overloaded vehicles to ensure they comply with safety legislation and the ANPR identification means that they can ensure that only approved vehicles are granted access on site.”
Stowmarket-based Eastern Concrete has been using Apollo Live (see picture) and says it has proved to be “really useful”.
Dan Lummis, transport and maintenance manager, says: “Not only does it provide very accurate and immediate weight data, we are also using it to control, and monitor, who comes in and who goes out of our premises. We have a list of approved registration plates and the ANPR system automatically checks if vehicles entering site are on that list.”
The ANPR camera is also improving the axle bridge read rate, adds Lummis, as it ensures that vehicles pass over the bridge at a slower speed.
VWS says Apollo Live can also be used for on-site contractor management, using ANPR information to manage who enters and exits site, and at what times. It can also be used to verify employee timesheets, with the ANPR time-stamping capability.