Case Study
How EMR Eliminated Reversing Incidents with SCC's X-Wire Technology and Automatic Trailer Camera Switching
- X-Wire technology eliminates additional camera wiring between tractor and trailer
- Automatic trailer camera switching with no driver intervention
- Reliable rear visibility across interchangeable trailer combinations
- No further reported reversing incidents across the two depots
- Reported savings of £2,203 per truck per year on minor impact damage
Client Profile
Project Background
European Metal Recycling (EMR) operates one of the UK’s largest metal recycling networks, with articulated vehicles moving continuously between operational sites.
At EMR’s Erith and Tilbury depots, tractor units regularly exchange trailers throughout the day as part of normal operations. Whilst this maximises fleet utilisation, it also creates additional visibility challenges when reversing, as drivers need reliable rear visibility regardless of which trailer is coupled.
Following a reversing incident at the Erith depot, EMR began looking for a practical solution that could improve rear visibility whilst fitting seamlessly into its existing fleet operation.
The Challenge
EMR needed a solution that would:
- Improve rear visibility when reversing articulated trailers
- Work automatically across frequently changing tractor and trailer combinations
- Remove the need for driver intervention when coupling different trailers
- Integrate into existing fleet operations without affecting productivity
- Reduce the risk of further reversing incidents
The solution also needed to provide consistent rear visibility across frequently changing tractor and trailer combinations, whilst removing additional wiring complexity and ensuring the correct trailer camera was displayed automatically whenever reversing.
The SCC Solution
SCC worked closely with EMR to develop a solution that would provide drivers with a consistent rear camera view regardless of which trailer was coupled to the tractor unit.
Each articulated trailer was fitted with an SCC rear camera system utilising X-Wire technology, allowing the camera signal to be transmitted using the existing electrical connections between the tractor and trailer. This removed the need for additional camera cabling between the tractor and trailer, providing reliable rear camera connectivity across interchangeable trailers.
To further simplify operation, every tractor unit was fitted with SCC’s Automatic Camera Priority Switch. Whenever a trailer is coupled and reverse gear selected, the system automatically displays the trailer’s rear camera on the in-cab monitor without any driver intervention.
By combining SCC’s patented X-Wire technology with automatic trailer camera switching, EMR introduced a solution that integrated seamlessly into its day-to-day operation, delivering reliable rear visibility across interchangeable articulated trailers.
The Result
The solution provided reliable rear visibility across interchangeable articulated trailers whilst simplifying day-to-day driver operation. Whenever a trailer is coupled and reverse gear selected, the correct rear camera is displayed automatically, allowing drivers to focus on manoeuvring safely without the need to manually select camera views.
EMR reported immediate results, with no further reported reversing incidents across the Erith and Tilbury depots following installation.
EMR also installed SCC’s four-camera recording systems and front corner blind spot proximity sensor systems on a number of its vehicles. When the company analysed the running costs of vehicles fitted with the systems against those without, it identified a 47% reduction in minor impact damage costs, equating to a reported saving of £2,203 per truck, per year.
Craig Fisher, Fleet Engineer at European Metal Recycling, highlighted the wider benefits SCC’s technology delivered across EMR’s vehicle operations:
“We have had SCC’s four-camera recording systems installed on our vehicles, along with front corner blind spot proximity sensor systems. This was done to be compliant in London and the surrounding areas. However, when we analysed the running costs of the vehicles fitted with the equipment against those without, we demonstrated a cost saving of 47% (£2,203) per truck on minor impact damage. This shows that having the systems fitted is actually saving the company money.”
Explore More Resources
Looking to dive deeper? Whether you want to see how our technology performs in the real world, understand compliance requirements like DVS, or get answers to key safety questions — we’ve got you covered.
Visit our Learning Centre to browse our latest FAQs, Comparisons, Case Studies and other useful information to help you make informed decisions about improving vehicle safety across your fleet.