A London borough has become the first local authority to install new technology on its buses to help drivers detect passing cyclists.

Hackney Council has installed the Cyclear system on its new wheelchair accessible buses, which will audibly alerts drivers when there is a cyclist nearby. It also includes a four camera recording system so the council can review any footage of accidents.

Norman Harding, corporate fleet manager at Hackney Council, said: ‘We have long recognised the need to take steps to improve the safety of cyclists and vulnerable road users. Cyclear is a reliable system and our drivers feel reassured to have the equipment on board.’

The council will also install the system on 24 new refuse collection trucks when they are delivered in October.