SOLIHULL Council is updating its fleet of bin lorries, with the arrival of 32 new lower emission vehicles.
The new collection vehicles are being delivered between now January 2017, replacing the older models which are at the end of their seven-year life expectancy.
As well as emitting less CO2 emissions, the new vehicles are fitted with new technology to assist drivers in performing their duties.
Among the new features is a 360 degree camera allowing drivers to have a bird’s eye view of the vehicle, eliminating blind spots and allowing for better control of the vehicle.
Facial recognition technology on inside and front mounted cameras will detect cyclists and pedestrians straying into the vehicle’s danger zones and alert the driver to help minimise accidents.
In addition, during movement, if a hazard is detected the vehicle will automatically reduce its speed with staged braking interventions and if the driver is drifting between lanes they will be notified through the speakers to correct their course.
The new vehicles will complete a total of 27 different routes across the borough collecting refuse, recycling and garden waste.
Coun Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing & Regeneration, said: “We’re continually seeking to improve our waste and recycling service and the addition of these new vehicles is just one element of how we hope to achieve this.
“These new refuse collection vehicles will raise safety in the borough and help our workforce to perform to the best of their abilities.”
For more information on waste and recycling in Solihull visit www.solihull.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling
