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TECHNOLOGY
Page 44
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Trials of a CPS-based spreading system suggest local authorities can save 30% of their salt supplies when treating icy roads, says Econ MD Andrew Lupton.
The Intelligent Spreading system uses GPS to plot a route and adjust salt distribution and spreading patterns in accordance with the width, angle, and type of road. The method, tested successfully for two years with Wiltshire County Council, has been rolled out to various local authorities across the country. "Monitoring drivers, and the contractor, so that the work is being properly done is where the benefits of Intelligent Spreading come in," Lupton explains.
They say the mile closest to the depot is the best gritted, because the driver doesn't want to take off the load. But since we can track the discharge rate, councils would know if the driver is opening the discharge gate [when returning to the depot]," he says.
Martyn Jordan, technical manager at Econ, says Intelligent Spreading ensures the optimum volume of salt and grit is laid, resulting in safer roads. a reduction in waste arising from over-treatment, and cost savings for operators.
"These initiatives enable authorities charged with maintaining highways in the best possible condition to achieve one of their key performance indicators, treating routes before they freeze," he says.
Econ Engineering has 63 vehicles fitted with the Intelligent Spreading system, which uses Exactrak software.