Hampshire-based Waltet Materials has become the first waste and recycling operator to fit a new type of safety panel to its HGVs.

The Dawes Highway Safety PeoplePanels are made of shatter-resistant composite plastic and are designed to be fitted over the under run bars or side guards of a lorry.

According to the manufacturer, the flat panels serve two purposes: first, to highlight the danger zone between the front and rear wheels on an HGV; second, to prevent entanglement of clothing or body parts in the event of a collision.

Waltet has chosen a panel design directly promoting safety on Hampshire roads, which it said helps to deliver reassurance for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Mark Howard, Waltet MD, said: “Waltet is proud of its health and safety for our many vehicles. Having gained our Fors bronze accreditation in 2015, this latest investment is an example of our ongoing commitment to providing safer vehicles for people in Hampshire.”

Dawes Highway Safety will be taking part in next month’s Freight in the City Expo, where it will showcase both its PeoplePanels and its DropDown barrier, which made its debut at last year’s expo.