Welsh Company Goes International with Low Bridges Tech For LGV’s

LGVs and low bridges don’t always get on, and a simple glance at the occasional news headlines will show that this is the case.

More than any other type of obstacle, low bridges cause problems for LGV/HGV drivers on a regular basis. Large new lorries, small old roads and insufficient sat-nav can combine to cause accidents in the same places over and over.

But now, a welsh company may have solved this problem once and for all, and not just for drivers in the UK but for drivers across the globe.

Telematic company Plant i are based in Powys, Wales, and they’ve just unveiled a brand new system that could put an end to the low bridges saga.

It has an in-cab alert system that tells drivers when they’re about to get into trouble under a low bridge, so they can avoid it in plenty of time. Along with a remote database of vital road info, this system can keep tabs on drivers’ whereabouts and how close they are to one of these potentially dangerous spots.

It’s not just for low bridges, either, but can be used to ward LGV/HGV drivers away from lanes that are too narrow for a lorry to navigate through – another potential hazard of the job.

Not content with simply helping drivers avoid tight and low spots, Plant i have also created a 360 degree camera system which shows drivers the entire view around their vehicle. The resulting footage is uploaded into the cloud and is available to remote authorised personnel.

The 21-strong firm is looking to expand after 10 years of being in business, and have their eye on international territory. Opening an office in Washington, USA, is the company’s next plan, once they’ve finished purchasing their base on Machynlleth’s Dyfi Eco Park from the Welsh Government.

Once the welsh company has broken the US, they could be helping American truckers to navigate the obstacles of life on the road as well as European LGV drivers.

It’s not the first time we’ve looked at emerging tech in the LGV and haulage sector. Just recently we also reported on the fact that The Co-Op Group have installed new devices on all their HGVs which prevent petrol theft.

Brigade Electronics have also made the news by replacing all the mirrors on an HGV with cameras, giving drivers a full 360 degree view of their vehicle from the cab with no blind spots