Technology will warn Hackney Council drivers about nearby cyclists

Hackney Council is the first authority in the country to use innovative technology to detect cyclists and warn drivers.

The technology will also alert cyclists when the vehicle is turning left. (Picture: Hackney Council). - Credit: Archant

Sensors installed on 22 buses for children with special needs feature cameras so crashes or near misses can be reviewed as well as a cycle safety system called Cyclear.

The town hall is on a drive to improve safety, particularly for cyclists, and carried out a year of testing before committing to the technology, which will also be installed on 24 bin lorries in October.

Hackney’s corporate fleet manager Norman Harding said: “We have long recognised the need to take steps to improve the safety of cyclists and vulnerable road users. Cyclear is a reliable system and our drivers feel reassured to have the equipment on board.”

The system visually and audibly alerts drivers to the presence of cyclists. A speaker also sounds to let cyclists and vulnerable road users know when the vehicle is turning left, as a second warning.

The technology has been installed on minibuses for special needs children. (Picture: Hackney Council). - Credit: Archant

It comes after Hackney contributed to the Safe Urban Driving initiative and training for HGV drivers.