At the IAA fair, which is currently taking place in Hanover, Germany, TomTom have presented their new navigational solution for lorries. It's the first time TomTom have developed a product especially aimed at Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers.
Extra parameters
The new solution takes the weight and dimensions of the vehicle into account. Using extra parameters in the mapping material, trucks are not guided through urban areas or onto narrow roads. Bridges with a weight limit or tunnels and viaducts with a limited height clearance are also avoided. The estimated arrival times also take account of the lower speeds at which lorries are allowed to drive. So for all this to function properly, the driver needs to enter some data about his vehicle before the first use.
Availability
At first, this application will only be available in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux countries. It's an expansion to the regular TomTom "WORK" system, which means that it isn't (yet?) available for all users of TomTom devices. Companies and their drivers should be able to use this new add-on before the end of the year, at an (annual?) cost of ¤ 149, excluding tax.
Improvement
"Truck navigation has long been in development and we are pleased that the map data from Tele Atlas and software from TomTom WORK have reached a quality which allows us to offer a navigation solution
to transport companies," says Thomas Becher, commercial director of TomTom WORK. "This is a first, but important, step and we look forward to continued developments in truck navigation technology in the near future. Naturally, truck drivers will need to be aware of, and obey, the rules and signs of the roads, but we feel their journeys will significantly improve with this new solution."
Caravans too?
TomTom WORK is a business solution from TomTom with which vehicles can be tracked continuously and messaging between driver and planner can take place. Hopefully, this additional navigational development is a stepping stone towards a comparable solution for private users who are driving with a caravan or trailer and wish to avoid narrow lanes etc.
Regarding the comment " Caravans too?", I wonder if TT have any intentions of applying the technology to the rest of range, as caravans would certainly benifit. I am sure the small indipendant hauliers and owner/drivers together with company's such as the one I work for who lease the vehicles, they would also benifit.
Its also worth noting that a Police Force in the North East introduced a Command and Control system who's mapping system had all of the features listed in the article, access to the routing information was possible via Mobile Data Terminals, this was back in 1993. The company that brought the system to the UK had been opperating in the USA with Police,Fire and Ambulance Control centres for over 10 years prior to its introduction in the UK.
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October 2, 2008 - 14:20 h
