Notts & Derby strengthens passenger safety with Centrad
Notts & Derby, a long‑standing bus operator serving communities across the East Midlands, has significantly improved onboard safety and fleet visibility by equipping its vehicles with Centrad’s robust CCTV camera systems. The technology now plays a vital role in protecting passengers, supporting drivers, and resolving incidents swiftly and fairly.
71% Report
Improved driver safety with in cab cctv
About Notts & Derby
Part of the Wellglade Group, Notts & Derby operates school services, private hire routes, and contracted local bus services throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Known for reliability and community-focused transport, the company manages a diverse fleet operating in both urban and rural environments.
The business required a reliable camera solution that would enhance passenger safety, reduce incident disputes, and provide dependable footage for investigations or insurance purposes.
91%
Fleet managers intend to invest in safety
“Centrad’s CCTV systems have become an essential part of how we keep both passengers and drivers safe. The clarity of the footage is excellent, and it has helped us resolve incidents much more effectively. We’ve been very impressed with the equipment and support.”
Key Challenges
- Passenger safety concerns
- Difficulty resolving onboard incidents
- Protection for drivers on the road
- Requirement for durable, fleet‑ready hardware
The Solution
- Multi‑camera coverage (internal saloon + front, rear, and side cameras)
- High‑definition DVR recording
- Rugged, bus‑grade camera technology
- Fast incident review and retrieval
- Lifetime UK-based support
Technology Deployed
4K Clarity
Captured license plates even at high speeds.
Cloud Backup
Events uploaded instantly via 4G LTE.
Driver Coaching
Reduced harsh braking events by 60%.
Notts & Derby Strengthens Passenger and Driver Safety With Centrad’s 8‑Camera Vehicle CCTV Systems
Notts & Derby Buses, part of the long‑established Wellglade Group, has expanded its investment in fleet safety by equipping five brand‑new Alexander Dennis vehicles with Centrad’s advanced eight‑camera CCTV systems. These new installations join a fleet of more than 30 buses—mostly double‑deckers—that are already fitted with Centrad technology, continuing a partnership that has lasted over 13 years.
A Long‑Standing Partnership Built on Safety and Innovation
Notts & Derby operates an extensive service portfolio, ranging from university and college routes to local authority transport and private contract work. The operator first engaged Centrad over a decade ago, initially for LED destination display technology. As Centrad evolved its product offering into vehicle CCTV and telematics, Notts & Derby followed suit—recognising the opportunity to enhance safety, visibility, and incident management across its fleet.
Today, every newly acquired vehicle is equipped with Centrad’s multi‑camera configuration, delivering 360‑degree visibility and eliminating blind spots around the bus.
Enhanced Protection for Drivers, Passengers, and the Business
Stuart Frost, Manager at Notts & Derby, explains the value the new system brings:
“Centrad’s cameras give all‑round protection to our vehicles, our drivers, our passengers—and to Notts & Derby as a business. The drivers were genuinely pleased when we introduced the new systems.”
The cameras provide high‑definition internal and external visibility, enabling the company to:
- Review the sequence of events during an incident
- Respond quickly to claims involving harsh braking or evasive manoeuvres
- Resolve passenger‑injury allegations confidently and accurately
- Deter and manage disruptive behaviour onboard
- Protect staff during challenging late‑evening routes
With false or exaggerated claims still common in the bus and coach industry, the camera systems have already proven invaluable in preventing unnecessary payouts.
Supporting Compliance and Operational Standards
Centrad’s Managing Director, Geoff Cross—himself a former fleet operator—founded the company in 2006 with a focus on purpose‑built solutions that address real operational challenges.
The shift in industry expectations has been clear: years ago, insurers insisted buses and coaches be fitted with CCTV; today, it is standard practice. Operators like Notts & Derby must demonstrate robust risk‑management measures, making high‑quality vehicle CCTV a non‑negotiable asset.
Stuart emphasises that the new systems have also helped reduce insurance premiums, with footage used primarily for retrospective incident analysis rather than day‑to‑day driving surveillance:
“Basically, it covers your back and provides total peace of mind.”
Seamless Integration Across the Fleet
Centrad’s eight‑camera systems are tailored to the needs of passenger transport, providing full coverage of:
- Front and rear
- Nearside and offside
- Saloon and upper deck (where applicable)
- Entry and exit points
This ensures full visibility both inside and outside the vehicle—essential for improving safety and incident investigation.
Geoff Cross adds:
“We’re delighted to continue supporting the Wellglade Group. Our systems will no doubt provide Notts & Derby a return on investment many times over throughout the life of these vehicles.”