Gist introduces new bridge detection equipment
Low bridges are a serious problem for drivers of high-sided vehicles and ‘bridge bashing’ by lorries has been a subject of much speculation recently. With lorries getting taller all the time and traffic on the major routes becoming worse, the incidents of ‘bridge bashing’ (when a vehicle is too tall to get under a bridge) are much higher. In an effort to avoid this, specialist logistics operator Gist has introduced a satellite tracking system to a number of lorries based at their Barnsley site, which can pin point almost every bridge in the UK and lets them know if they will fit underneath.
Gist is the first HGV operator to use the technology, provided by Bridgeclear Ltd. The system is very simple to operate. The driver sets the height of the vehicle when getting in the cab before any journey; the system then sends a visual and audible warning about the nearest bridge that the lorry will not be able to get under up to 40 km before it is reached. The system also lets the driver know what road the bridge is on so it is possible to quickly work out an alternative route.
Gist currently has six of the tracking units, which it is using on its double decker lorries. The units can be easily installed and removed and so used on different lorries as need dictates. Gist’s Barnsley depot is now planning to purchase a further six units to cover its current fleet of nine double deckers and allow for expansion in the future.
Sam de Beaux, Gist’s engineering director, said: “ Our double decker lorries are over 16 feet high and the tracking systems have offered the drivers reassurance, as well as ensuring Gist keeps it 100% record of no bridge bashing incidences.”
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de Beaux continued: “The systems have proved particularly beneficial for our drivers when they are stuck in traffic on motorways or main roads and want to take an alternative route. The system is able to warn them as they approach the motorway junction or turn-off point whether they are safe to come off the main drag.”
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Notes to editors
Gist combines leading edge experience and expertise to transform supply chains through intelligent application of innovative leading edge technology, unique solutions tailored to customers’ strategies, managing change and embracing and enhancing the supply chain proposition. With industry specific experience, expertise and excellence, Gist’s solutions bring end-to-end visibility and implementation, from concept to delivery.
Gist, based in the United Kingdom, has its head office at Basingstoke in Hampshire. However, Gist’s 4,500 employees operate out of 28 locations, providing a full range of intellectual and asset-based business offering in the UK, continental Europe, Asia, Australasia and North America.
Gist’s customers (including Ocado, Marks & Spencer, British Airways, Carlsberg UK and Budgens) operate in a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors, including grocery, electronics, apparel and gas.
As part of the BOC Group, which serves two million customers in more than 50 countries, Gist also benefits from BOC’s global capability, synergy and scale.
To find out more about Gist, for photography or to arrange an interview with the Gist team please contact the Gist press office:
Michele Mervin
Tel: 01256 891111
Fax: 01256 891122
Email: michele.mervin@gistworld.com
For further information on Bridgeclear Ltd please contact:
Bramham Knight
Tel: 01270 588039
Fax: 01270 583472
E-mail: mail@bridgeclear.com
