Sheffield logistics firm invests in £500,000 vehicle safety installation programme

The new contract involves fitting safety systems designed to protect cyclists and other road users and help prevent accidents.

It will be carried out by SM UK, the growing Leeds-based auto-engineering business that specialises in improving safety for HGVs, vans and other commercial vehicles.

The installation involves mobile digital recorders fitted to capture footage from 360-degree cameras and monitors; cycle sensors installed down vehicles’ near-sides and alarms to alert drivers of any obstruction, while cyclists and pedestrians are warned when a vehicle is about to make a left turn.

The high-tech equipment also includes a white-noise alarm activated when a vehicle reverses, and work lamps to provide additional lighting for people working around a vehicle at night.

Tuffnells has its headquarters in Sheffield and specialises in delivering large, long and heavy parcels. It has a network of 33 UK depots.

The firm’s fleet and services director, Simon Parsons, said: “We see this process with SM UK as future-proofing our vehicles and creating a stress-free environment for our drivers so that they can carry out their roles in safety and comfort.

“Safety is paramount for us and the bottom line is that it’s also fundamental to our success and continued growth as a logistics business.”

The safety systems installed by SM UK ensure Tuffnells’ vehicles meet the requirements for Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard to operate in the Greater London area.