Transline introduces Volvo GPS-linked gritters to UK
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CONTRACT HREfirrnTranslinc has provided four new Volvo 6x6 snowploughsigritters to Lincolnshire County Council. The vehicles are the first of their kind in the UK; they are equipped with a GPS-linked gritting system designed to simplify the process.
In a similar fashion to the German Maut tolling system, the gritting system. designed by Danish firm EPOKE, is programmed with a pre-determined route. If the driver veers from his route at any time the system will stop gritting until the vehicle is back on track. For any unforeseen changes. such as more ice or none at all, the driver can manually override the system,
Rob Hobson, Translinc's fleet consultant, says: "The GPS system was on trial last winter and we were reasonably pleased with the results. Not only does the system takeaway gritting responsibility from the driver, it also gives a certain amount of legal protection. The system keeps records of how much grit was scattered where, thereby protecting us against accusations of negligence."
All vehicles have six-wheel drive, powered by a 380hp engine through Volvo's six-speed, automatic Powertronic transmission. They have a GVW of 26 tonnes and a payload capacity of 9m3 of salt with 3,2001it of brine.