The Smart-Vision system is designed to improve visibility, reduce the risk of accidents and lower lifetime running costs of the vehicle.
Vehicles are fitted with rugged enclosures that each contain two HD cameras showing a Class II (standard) and Class IV (wide angle) view on driver screens that are mounted internally within the cab area.
By using digital cameras in place of mirrors, the CMS not only removes the lateral blind spots it also automatically adjusts to reduce glare and improve visibility at night and in wet conditions. The cameras also re-focus to adapt to rain drops or dirt on the lenses and an optional camera heater keeps them clear of ice or fogging.
Because the cameras are much smaller than traditional wing mirrors, the CMS reduces drag and even improves fuel efficiency. More importantly, the system greatly reduces the risk of collisions with other road users, pedestrians, street furniture and trees.
Russ Singleton, 21st Century’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The Smart-Vision CMS is an important step towards TfL’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate death and serious injury involving buses.
“By 2020, it is anticipated that CMS will become compulsory on many TfL vehicles, but is already being offered as an option on new vehicles from UK manufacturers, enabling operators to get a head start on making their vehicles safer for passengers, the public and drivers alike.”
21st Century will not only be the sole UK supplier, but the company will also be providing design services to vehicle manufacturers to ensure that the system is correctly mounted to every vehicle type.
The Smart–Vision CMS, the only one of its kind approved by the VCA, is currently available as OEM and 21st Century is actively supporting the certification process required for retrofit programmes.