Abbey Travel is rolling out Wheely-Safe technology across its coach fleet in a move aimed at boosting compliance, reducing tyre losses, and increasing operational efficiency.
The Erith-based operator has begun fitting the Wheely-Safe Connect system to 20 Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coaches and five Yutong midi-coaches following a successful trial phase.
The decision was driven by a puzzling series of tyre issues, as Transport Manager Steve Woodall explained:
“We had lost three inner back tyres in quick succession, and we couldn’t figure out why. It turned out that the wheel nut covers had loosened and fallen between the tyres, causing slow punctures over time,” he said. “I had never encountered this problem in all my years in the business. To have something fitted now that alerts us to any issue with both the wheel nut and the tyre pressure as early as possible is a real benefit.”
Wheely-Safe's latest system offers a connected solution that monitors tyre pressure, wheel nut movement, and brake and hub temperatures. Data is sent both to the cab and directly to the transport team, enabling quicker response times and improved fleet visibility.
Abbey Travel has already fitted the system to eight vehicles, with installation on the remaining fleet scheduled during routine MOT servicing. According to Woodall, each vehicle takes about 90 minutes to equip.
“It’s incredibly easy to fit – it only takes about an hour and a half to install on each vehicle,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer when you consider the potential savings. We use premium tyres which cost around £500 each, and the cost of losing three tyres in a month can be devastating for the business.”
The firm averages around 150,000 km per casing and sees tyre health as a critical factor in operational performance.
Woodall added that the connected system is delivering strong results:
“The system is working brilliantly – I get alerts directly to my office, and drivers are informed instantly. With the connected system, I can identify which wheel is experiencing an issue, making it easy for the driver to check and resolve the problem promptly.”
Abbey Travel provides a range of services including school transport and private hire. Its fleet of 25 vehicles is in near-constant use, making uptime and preventative maintenance especially valuable.
What is Wheely-Safe technology and how is it used on coach fleets?
Wheely-Safe is a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that also includes wheel loss detection and brake/hub temperature monitoring. Abbey Travel uses the system to monitor all 25 vehicles in its coach fleet, helping improve vehicle safety and reduce costly tyre damage.
Why did Abbey Travel choose to install a tyre pressure monitoring system?
Abbey Travel was experiencing repeated tyre failures, including three unexplained punctures in one month. The business turned to Wheely-Safe to provide early warnings on tyre pressure issues, wheel security, and overheating components.
How does the connected TPMS help Abbey Travel’s transport management team?
The connected system sends real-time alerts to both the vehicle cab and the depot. This allows Abbey Travel's transport manager to act quickly when an issue arises, minimising downtime and avoiding further tyre damage or safety risks.
How long does it take to install Wheely-Safe on a coach or bus?
Installation is quick and straightforward. Each vehicle takes around 90 minutes to fully equip, and Abbey Travel is completing installation during routine MOT servicing to avoid disruption.
What tyre savings does Abbey Travel expect with TPMS installed?
The company uses premium coach tyres costing approximately £500 each. By maintaining optimal tyre pressure and preventing wheel loss, Abbey Travel expects to extend tyre life and avoid repeat failures – protecting their investment and improving operational costs.
Is Wheely-Safe effective for coach operators doing school runs and private hire?
Yes. With heavy daily use across school contracts and private hire trips, Abbey Travel benefits from instant alerts, allowing drivers to address tyre or wheel issues immediately – enhancing passenger safety and vehicle uptime.
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