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We are often asked by small van fleet operators where they can place cameras in their vehicles. The options are varied and split into 3 key considerations: Recording of journey footage, driver safety and vehicle security.
Let’s look at these options in turn:
Recording Journey Footage
The most obvious reason to get vehicle cameras is to have footage recorded when an accident occurs. For this purpose on small vans, a forward-facing camera on the windscreen and also a rear camera on the rear bumper or above the rear doors should be fitted.
Many fleet managers think that a single forward ‘dashcam’ type camera will suffice for a small van, but there are many reasons why this just isn’t the case. Have a read of these two articles and you’ll understand why:
Throw Your Dashcam Away Article
Why You Need A Connected Plan Article
Driver Safety
Small van drivers regularly drive in and around cities and can be subject to abuse, road rage and physical attacks. A front and rear camera might not suffice if a driver is involved in an altercation.
A dome camera installed inside the cab can capture the space and record anything untoward that happens.
An added bonus of installing a dome camera is that, if an accident occurs, the driver will have proof to show that they were not distracted. The presence of in-cab cameras has also shown to reduce incidents caused by distraction and mobile use.
Vehicle Security
Small vans carry goods and/or tools that can often be quite expensive, making them a target for thieves. Cameras in and around the vehicle will act as both a deterrent and for evidence gathering.
Deterrent
Night-vision cameras and a ‘Delayed Switch-Off’ system, which allows the system to continue recording even when the engine is turned off, should be installed. ProVision’s systems can run for up to 24 hours without engine power. Combined with night vision and signage on the vehicle, any thief would be wary of trying anything malicious.
A rear camera placed high on the rear door means that anyone approaching the vehicle will be captured.
Evidence Gathering
If a thief does manage to break into your vehicle, you’re going to need footage to help identify the culprit. Cameras in the cab, in the loading space and outside above the rear door will ensure you have all possible break in points covered.
Other considerations
ProVision DVR units have multiple data inputs that will trigger ‘events’ such as alarms, doors opening, tailgate operating, reverse gear and indicators, and more. This allows fleet managers to be immediately notified every time the van doors are opened, say outside of normal hours and in turn this creates an event recording for review.
