Bus Warning System Proves Efficient During Trials

The Amparo SeeMe system, created to warn drivers that schoolchildren are in the vicinity, finished the trial phase and the results are encouraging. The warning system was developed in Sweden and entered trials in Scotland in May last year. The second phase started in February 2010 and is to be proposed for full UK homologation by the Department for Transport.

The system uses an automatic radio ‘tag’, attached to a child’s school bag to trigger solar-powered warning lights on bus stops or at crossings.

Results have shown the system has reduced driver speeds by up to 13%, from 53mph to 45mph when the signs were flashing, as well as a reduction in the number of cars overtaking school buses which have stopped to pick up or drop off children.

“SeeMe is an efficient measure for increased safety at bus stops, a tested and verified solution in use all over Sweden today” says Leon Nilsson, the COO of Amparo Solutions. “Keeping it simple means a cost-efficient solution with low maintenance. It is also easily adaptable to changing needs, for example if the bus stop needs to be moved, no investment in infrastructure such as electrical supply is needed.”

“Our experience is that the most dangerous situation is when the child is walking to or from the school or school bus, either on their way to the bus stop, crossing the road, or in connection with getting on or off the bus” added Nilsson. “The SeeMe equipment can make a significant difference, in winter or summer, night or day.”