Sainsbury’s launches London lorry designed for cycle safety

One of the UK’s most recognisable supermarket chains Sainsbury’s recently launch a lorry designed specifically for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
 
The vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz Antos 1824L – which was unveiled by Mayor of London Boris Johnson at City Hall – features 360 degree monitors, extra side lighting for road users at night and low side guards for cyclist safety. It was designed in collaboration with Solomon and Mercedes.
 
Retail & Operations Director Roger Burnley said: ‘This is an important step in our work to make London’s roads safer. We’ve put an enormous amount of thought and research into creating a truck that we hope will be the safest on the road – for all road users.’
 
The truck has been fitted with an array of safety features including:

New video technology in the cab giving 360 degree vision of the surrounding road

New proximity sensors down the sides of the lorry that beep to alert the driver to other road users

Side guard extensions and reflective infills to help stop cyclists from falling under the vehicle

More downlights along the sides that glow at night, giving the driver more visibility of road users in the dark

A warning sticker to alert road users that they are in the driver’s blind spot

A tail lift operation warning – so that there will be an audible sound when the tail lift is being lowered – that’s for anyone behind the vehicle

Further driver training on higher safety standards in the truck
 
Stylish in appearance, and highly cost-effective in operation, the new Mercedes-Benz Antos heavy-duty distribution range replaces Axor and Actros day cab models. The model range covers 18 or 26-tonne rigid, as a 4x2, 6x2, or on-road 6x4 tractor units.
 
James Colbourne, Head of Strategic Accounts - Trucks, Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, said: Working in partnership with Sainsbury’s has been an extremely positive and educational experience. In building these vehicles Sainsbury’s have invested heavily in the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians and have built what can only be described as a fleet of some of the safest vehicles on the road.
 
“The new Antos as standard comes fitted with a high level of safety and with the array of additional measurers Sainsbury’s have made our cities a safer place.”