Edinburgh Council invests £25M+ in safer trucks & buses, part of a £56.8M plan for vehicle upgrades and enhanced safety features.
The council is using London’s safety system. It’s called Progressive Safe System, or PSS. This system helps drivers see better. It also seeks to cut down on accidents.
PSS has seven key safety features. These include cameras and special mirrors. They also use blind spot and moving sensors. Side guards and warning sounds are included. Visual alerts also warn others.
Also, the new vehicles use automatic braking. It’s called Advanced Emergency Braking System, or AEBS. Sensors watch around the vehicle. Brakes are used if a crash is likely.
The council chose to add this braking. It is not required by law in most places. Only the City of London requires it.
The city has 152 heavy trucks. They use them for many jobs. These include collecting trash and sweeping streets. They also use them for construction. Plus, they maintain streets and parks.
There are 27 buses for kids needing extra support. These are not heavy trucks legally. But, the council added the new safety gear. These buses drive near schools often. This happens during busy travel times.
Over 70 new trucks are already working. All new trash trucks arrive by March 2025. Other trucks will be used this year.
A council leader, Stephen Jenkinson, saw the vehicles. He talked to the drivers about them. He says safety is very important. They want the safest vehicles possible.
He believes Edinburgh now has Scotland’s safest fleet. He hopes others copy London and Edinburgh. He adds safety is the council’s top priority now. These changes will make a big difference, he feels.