LSS Waste has announced that it will install SM UK’s Halo cyclist safety system across its entire fleet of 75 trucks, a contract worth £250,000.

The Leeds-based waste services company initially gave SM UK a project to install the system in 25 vehicles last year. The new contract, the Halo package, incorporates live recorded CCTV and blindspot correcting that can cause collisions when a making a left turn. The equipment is also an effective measure against false insurance claims.

LSS Waste’s managing director Nigel Woolford said: “It’s a stressful and difficult job being an HGV driver so anything we can do to remove that stress, and of course to help make the roads safer, is beneficial.

"The feedback we have had from the team as we have rolled Halo out across the fleet has been brilliant.”

SM UK’s Halo system includes sensors fitted to the near side of the truck, activated when a cyclist or vehicle enters its detection zone.

Audio and visual warnings are also triggered when the vehicle signals to turn left, and an in-cab monitor provides the driver with 360 degree vision.

“They have all said that they feel more secure on the roads because they can see everything that’s going on around them, with no blindspots,” said Woolford.

“Since we installed the system we have had no insurance claims against our vehicles and no accidents, and if there are any incidents in future we know we can rely on the recorded CCTV footage from Halo.”

SM UK’s managing director Steve MacDonald said: “We have been developing the Halo system for two years now and, as more and more firms like LSS see the benefits of equipping their fleets with the technology, the roads are gradually becoming safer for cyclists, as well as delivering increased peace of mind for HGV drivers.”