UK hauliers donate trucks to Zambia

A Scania 6x2 and a Mercedes Actros 6x2 tractor unit were both donated by Fagan and Whalley and Samworth Brothers Supply Chain and have now entered service at the industrial training centre (ITC) in the capital city Lusaka.

They were fully serviced before being shipped 7,000 miles and each has been fitted with cameras and telematics systems donated by Transaid corporate partners Brigade Electronics and Microlise.

Brigade installed two analogue high-definition side cameras, along with a seven-inch colour monitor in the driver’s cab.

The cameras activate when the indicators are switched on and are designed to eliminate blind spots and improve a driver’s view of both sides of the vehicle.

Microlise supplied access to its fleet performance and driver safety software solutions, as well as telematics equipment on the two donated vehicles.

The Microlise delivery team is currently in the process of training the ITC team on best practice and how the solution can help to support their driver training and enhance driver safety.

Ian Cooper, Samworth Brothers regional fleet manager, said: “This is the fourth training vehicle we have donated, and we are proud to see it supporting such a great cause. Working with Transaid has been a very positive experience for us and I am looking forward to seeing how the additional in-cab technology will improve the student experience.”

Sam Fagan, MD at Fagan & Whalley, said: “Our partnership with Transaid has been very natural because our values are so well aligned.

“Working with them to extend our goal of having safer roads beyond the borders of the UK has meant a great deal to us.”

Fagan & Whalley has previously donated a bicycle ambulance and participated in numerous Transaid events, including its annual cycle challenges.

Samworth Brothers donated its first vehicle, an MAN TGX tractor unit in 2018, which has been used intensively for driver training in Uganda.