Two heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which had previously operated in the UK will help train hundreds of new and existing truck drivers in Zambia, having entered service at the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) in Lusaka, after being donated by supporters of Transaid.
This contributes to an ongoing partnership between Transaid and the ITC which aims to improve road safety across the country, having first teamed up in 2008 and together trained more than 22,000 drivers during the 15-year period.
Both tractor units, a Scania 6×2 and a Mercedes Actros 6×2, were donated respectively by long-standing Transaid supporters Fagan and Whalley and Samworth Brothers Supply Chain. They were fully serviced prior to being shipped 7,000 miles and have been fitted with the latest cameras and telematics systems, donated by Transaid corporate partners Brigade Electronics and Microlise.
Brigade Electronics installed two analogue high-definition side cameras, along with a seven-inch colour monitor in the driver’s cab. The cameras activate when the indicators are switched on and are designed to eliminate blind spots and improve a driver’s view of both sides of the vehicle.
Microlise supplied access to its Fleet Performance and Driver Safety software solutions, together with telematics equipment on the two donated vehicles. The Microlise delivery team is currently in the process of training the ITC team on best practice and how the solution can help to support their driver training and enhance driver safety.
Ian Cooper, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain Regional Fleet Manager, says: “This is the fourth training vehicle we have donated, and we are proud to see it supporting such a great cause. Working with Transaid has been a very positive experience for us and I am looking forward to seeing how the additional in-cab technology will improve the student experience.”
Sam Fagan, Managing Director at Fagan & Whalley, says: “Our partnership with Transaid has been very natural because our values are so well aligned. Working with them to extend our goal of having safer roads beyond the borders of the UK has meant a great deal to us.”
Fagan & Whalley has previously donated a bicycle ambulance and participated in numerous Transaid events, including its annual cycle challenges. Samworth Brothers Supply Chain donated its first vehicle, an MAN TGX tractor unit in 2018, which has been used intensively for driver training in Uganda.
For more information and to find out how you can support the organisation visit www.transaid.org.
