February 1, 2005

MISSISSAUGA FIRST CITY IN CANADA TO INSTALL NEW WING AND REAR VIEW PLOW CAMERAS

Mississauga, ON – New wing and rear view plow cameras have been installed on thirteen City winter maintenance vehicles, making Mississauga the first City in Canada to implement this technology.

The City’s transportation and works department spearheaded the initiative to have both a wing plow camera and back up camera added to its new Freightliners in a continuing effort to raise its level of operational service and improve safety standards.

Currently the City’s standard procedure for snow plow operations requires two individuals to operate a snow plow – one to operate the vehicle and the other to watch the wing plow. The “wing man” checks the driver’s blind spots as the vehicle turns corners or backs up and also watches the wing plow to ensure it doesn’t hit parked vehicles. The installation of a wing plow camera and a back up camera has eliminated the need for a “wing man” in the vehicle, as the cameras become the additional pair of eyes for the driver.

The self heating, water proof wing plow camera and back up camera are connected to a six inch LCD monitor inside the vehicles cab. The monitor is activated when the driver releases the brakes and begins to operate the vehicle. When the vehicle is in “drive” the wing plow camera is activated and the driver can see what the camera sees through the monitor in real time vision. As the driver shifts from drive into reverse, the back up camera is activated and the monitor shows what the back up camera sees.

“This new technology is a positive step forward for Mississauga as we continue to increase operational safety and productivity in our fleet” said Engineering and Works Director, Joe Pitushka. “The addition of the cameras will allow us to re-examine our standard procedures for snow plow operations and enable us to better utilize our staff in other areas during a winter storm.”

At a cost of approximately $2200.00 installed per vehicle to implement this new technology, Pitushka feels that the investment is warranted and expects to have the entire fleet of 28 vehicles fitted with the camera system by the end of the season.

For more information please call:
• Bruce Williams, Fleet Manager - City of Mississauga 905.896.5090
• Barry Lee, Sales Executive - Fleet Complete 905.709.0863 x 251
Download sell sheet for more information (Requires Adobe Reader)