Haulage firms turn to cameras in face of mounting insurance claims - RHA Survey published ahead of CV Show
Transport firms are fitting forward-facing cameras in their lorries in growing numbers, according to the Road Haulage Association.
The surge the use of cameras is to protect firms from accident insurance claims – some of which can be fraudulent. “The recordings can show what happened in an accidents and can put an end, quickly and simply, to potentially crippling insurance claims,” says director of policy Jack Semple.
“In addition, many firms with cameras say they are useful tools for managing employees’ driving style,” he says.
The survey of members drew an overwhelmingly positive. More than half, 54%, have now fitted cameras and a further 35% appear to be close to doing so, with no little or doubts as to the value of doing so.
The appeal is across the board. The survey drew responses from a spectrum of firms, from owner-drivers through to firms with thousands of HGVs.
While the main interest is in forward-facing cameras, the survey shows that all-round cameras are coming strongly into consideration. Only 7% of hauliers in the survey fit them at present but 35% said they were considering doing so.
“The professional haulage industry appears to have reached a tipping point and the fitting of cameras will soon be the norm, rather than exceptional. The widespread adoption of cameras by the haulage industry may also be an interesting trend for those involved more widely in occupational road risk, managing vans and cars,” Semple added.
The RHA surveyed members ahead of the CV Show, the main event for commercial vehicle manufacturers and other haulage industry suppliers, at the NEC, Birmingham from April 30 to May 2. The show is put on by the RHA along with its show partners, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers.
