An Essex company is set to reveal its new AI low bridge detection system, helping HGVs navigate the region’s roads and safely deliver their vital supplies.
Durite, based in Dovercourt, will showcase the new technology at this year’s Road Transport Expo Show in Stoneleigh, which begins on June 24.
Low bridges are a bane of HGV drivers’ lives, with the 2.3 metre bridge in Needham Market, Suffolk, once labelled Britain’s ‘most bashed bridge’, being struck several times a year.
According to Network Rail, there are more than 1,500 bridge strikes across the UK annually, averaging one every six hours, causing huge cost and delays to the country’s supply network.
Durite’s UK Sales Manager, John Nobbs, said: “In the UK, heavy goods vehicle bridge strikes are a significant problem.
“They cause delays, disruptions and potentially high cost to the operator and the rail and road networks.”
The technology pairs a high accuracy GPS with the UK low bridge database to detect and alert tall HGVs to the presence of bridges they would struggle to pass under.
Using the vehicle’s trailer and cargo heights, the system provides accurate warnings and alerts to the driver through its R-Watch display, giving the driver ample time to find an alternative route.
Mr Nobbs added: “With up to five bridge strikes recorded each day in the UK, Durite recognised the need to produce an advanced detection system which can significantly reduce the risk of collision for commercial vehicle operators.
“Our new AI Low Bridge Detection System aims to achieve this by using a combination of market-proven technology.”