The Freight Transport Association (FTA) found no shortage of companies qualified for consideration for this year's EuroTra Safety and Innovation Award. The leading trade body was put in charge of managing the selection process for this Pan European award, which meant nominating entrants to a select judging panel.
James Tillyer of FTA's Consultancy Team was the campaign manager for the Award. He said:
"We were delighted with the response we got and we were able to select nine companies for final consideration - a three-fold increase on previous year's finalists - all of which demonstrated a real commitment to innovation in safety. It is encouraging that despite being in the grip of a recession companies across Europe are not compromising or losing sight of safety."
The winner of the EuroTra Safety and Innovation Award 2009 was Royal Mail Network Distribution for its Safety Concept Vehicle (SCV). The 6x2 Daf CF85.410 and Cartwright double-deck trailer incorporated an impressive 55 safety features fitted to both the tractor and trailer units.
Tillyer continued:
"The winning entry was voted as the best of a high quality line up and effectively showcased the very latest in safety technology. Royal Mail Network Distribution's commitment to improved safety is laudable and, despite adding approximately 30 per cent to the overall unit cost, the benefits offered by these safety features to both the driver and other road users is priceless."
FTA conducted a Europe-wide research campaign to find leading-edge entrants and, following a rigorous selection process, whittled the list down to nine. The finalists comprised three companies from the UK, three from Sweden, one multinational and one each from Belgium and Germany.
Tillyer concluded:
"While it is encouraging that companies in countries such as the UK and Sweden are leading the way to improve road safety, the freight industry still has some way to go before it can achieve optimal safety standards right across Europe."