A recent growth in vehicle theft has led to many vehicle operators and transport managers questioning whether their vehicles are secure when used in public. Vision Techniques explores how to tackle the risk of someone attempting to access parked or unsecured vehicles.
Over the last three years there has been a huge rise in attacks across Europe involving hired or stolen vehicles that are being used to cause devastation. In the last two years, four major cities have been attacked multiple times leading to some of the worst disasters in recent history. These attacks are not always connected to terrorism, with some of the drivers labelled as lone assailants.
Luckily, there are solutions that will prevent unauthorised vehicle access stopping anyone from stealing a municipal truck, rigid lorry or hire vehicle.
Vehicle safety expert Vision Techniques launched its VT Ident security system to the industry in 2015 and has been
tailoring the RFID technology ever since.
“We’ve built the technology ourselves so we can adjust it to meet the needs of any of our customers.” Managing Director and Owner Michael Hanson explained. “But recently we’re seeing a lot of companies and councils wanting to specifically prevent vehicle theft – which Ident will absolutely do.”
Prevent access
VT Ident is a radio frequency control system that uses customisable short-range tags to allow or prevent access to certain ‘locked’ areas of the vehicle, such as the ignition, handbrake or even rear machinery.
The Ident tags don’t have any batteries, are easily replaceable and most importantly can have different levels of access.
“It’s possible for everyone to wear different tags with only the driver having the ability to start the engine, meaning you can take away any risk of theft and unauthorised use.”
The security system uses passive RFID. Active RFID is very common – where the tag reader searches for tags within a wireless zone and allows access when users approach. Passive RFID means the crew can’t leave their tags within range of the reader – for example down the side of their seats or on the dashboard. Tag users must present their tags to regain control.
The technology is being used on vehicles across the country by integrated waste management specialist Biffa, construction, services and property group Kier, Middlesbrough council and Perth and Kinross Council to name a few.
The ident system also provides tag monitoring, meaning a fleet manager is able to check who is or isn’t showing their tags.
Audible notifications can warn if someone without a tag tries to access the ignition or handbrake and any successful or unsuccessful tag uses can be exported for reporting or combined with a video DVR for video evidence.
