A new system has been launched to protect truck drivers against stowaways in trailers.

The system, called Driver Buddy Defence, uses infrared motion cameras and CO2 detection in conjunction with a driver mobile phone app.

A driver can view all cameras on board and underneath the truck and any clandestine passengers aboard can also be detected via increased CO2 level monitoring.
 
Drivers are also able to provide real time photographic records of their statutory security checks, logged onto a secure server. Using GPS tagging, the app records location, time, date and the driver’s identification. This can then be later produced to border security personnel when required.
 
Dobbs Logistics, based in East Sussex, is trialing the Driver Buddy Defence App amongst its drivers.  Steve Morgan, managing director, said the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. 

He said: “It’s bombproof photographic and real-time evidence that the checks have been carried out. We can see what checks have been done, at what time and the exact spot they were carried out.

“It’s no comparison to manual forms that drivers fill out at present – they are not worth the paper they are written on.”
 
Barry Southon, director, said: “Driver Buddy has been two years in development and the end product is exceptional. It won’t stop migrants climbing aboard but it will protect our men from fines and prosecution.

“What drivers and haulage companies will have is peace of mind that they won’t face legal recrimination if a migrant is found. They will have evidence that they have carried out the relevant statutory checks at the start of their journey and have onboard monitoring in place to provide an added level of security."