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Weighing system ensures automotive safety

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 19, 2008

VanWeigh is a simple, durable overload protection system that monitors axle and gross vehicle weights via an indicator mounted either in the cab or load area.

VanWeigh from Vishay PM Onboard is a low-cost onboard vehicle overload warning system developed specifically for vans and light commercials up to 7.5t gross vehicle weight.

Operator interest was extremely high after testing the market with VanWeigh at last year's UK CV Show.

The launch comes following extensive service trials that ran in parallel with the laboratory testing needed to gain e and CE mark accreditation, as well as environmental testing to meet stringent SAE automotive standards.

Aimed at organisations ranging from major operators, local authorities, utilities and lease companies through to the street trader, VanWeigh is a simple, durable overload protection system that monitors axle and gross vehicle weights via an indicator mounted either in the cab or load area.

Percentage loading of individual axles and vehicle gross weight are shown on the indicator screen, with an intermittent buzzer sounding when either axle or gross weights reach or exceed 90% of their legal maximum.

The intermittent tone changes to a solid one when axle/gross weights reach or exceed their legal maximum.

According to Sean Folkard, Vishay PM Onboard Sales and Marketing Director: "The launch of VanWeigh addresses rising industry concerns about overloading of vans and light commercials and the increasing demands from across the transport industry for a simple device to improve operating efficiency and safety".

"It will also help owners and drivers to avoid the swingeing fines that conviction for overloading can attract".

The Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) is striving to identify offenders more efficiently - an as yet unpublished VOSA Effectiveness Report (2006/7) is reported to say that of 6050 vans weighed throughout the year, 3335 (51%) were prohibited for being overloaded.

This compares with 38.7% and 30.5% for the previous two years, respectively.

Moves by VOSA also coincide with ongoing structural changes in the market, with many downsizing for operational reasons from 7.5 to 3.5t.

Drivers are not always advised that such a change comes with a significant downsising in payload weight capacity as well.

Folkard continues: "In addition to making a positive contribution to safer driving, improving fuel economy and reducing vehicle wear and tear, fitting VanWeigh also allows organisations to complete their 'duty of care' in line with risk assessments enforced by the Health and Safety at Work Act".

The company is also accelerating the ongoing development of a nationwide network of approved fitting and service agents.

(Fitting requires a workshop having a ramp/pit and basic tools plus access to the weights and weighpad/weighbridge needed for calibration).

Kits that can also be fitted by any competent in-house CV workshop will initially cover most popular makes and models.