Simoco supplies critical comms technology to VicRoads

Simoco has begun rolling out critical communications technology for VicRoads to improve the efficiency of its mobile radios and safety of its vehicles and drivers. The initiative sees the supply of an in-vehicle P25 upgradable solution, specifically designed to address the needs of the emergency services, to the Victorian State Road Authority.

Simoco project partner Retrolooms has already installed a number of customised SRM9000 mobile radio products, which will be running on the Telstra state-wide SMR network as well as private and public UHF channels. The solution was delivered for VicRoads’ response vehicles and Retrolooms will install the Simoco solution in the remainder of the company’s vehicle fleet as part of an 18-month rollout. Simoco will also deploy its wireless microphone product X10DR, which was integrated into the radio equipment for a powerful out-of-vehicle communication solution.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Simoco as it is a reliable company to work with,” said VicRoads State Operations Manager of Transport Safety Services Darrell Gascoyne. “The SRM radios, when combined with the powerful X10DR microphones, enable our fleet vehicle personnel to continue talking through the radios as far as 100 m away from the vehicle. The Simoco Advanced Mobile Suite (SAMS), an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system also supplied as part of the deal, helps support and address a number of occupational, health and safety obligations and enables us to more efficiently manage and dispatch our vital assets and protect our staff.”

SAMS AVL ensures that VicRoads staff can effectively monitor vehicles and drivers operating throughout Victoria. SAMS also has duress functionality, which a driver can initiate in the vehicle or via their X10DR microphone. In the event of an emergency, drivers can hit the alarm and the system automatically notifies authorities and individuals working for VicRoads so a rapid response to the vehicle and driver involved in potential danger can be quickly delivered.

“The fact our SAMS has a duress feature and status messages means VicRoads can monitor what’s happening on the roads and especially during times of emergency,” said Simoco Group Commercial Sales Representative Adam Burridge. “It also allows the authority to be more cost effective as VicRoads can manage its fleet more effectively, eliminating the need to send a driver halfway across the state when someone is most likely already nearby.”

Managing over 22,000 km of roads and 3133 bridges, VicRoads provides transport connections for residents, professionals and visitors to the state of Victoria. The Simoco SRM radios installed at VicRoads are easily upgradable to P25 digital in the future and are recognised under the P25 Compliance Assessment Program (CAP), which means the solution will continue to meet current and future communication needs.