ADAS systems, which include lane departure warning systems, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control, use multifunctional windscreen mounted cameras.

In the event of a replacement windscreen being fitted, the ADAS camera and sensor should be calibrated by the windscreen replacement firm to ensure the technology works as intended.

In response, National Windscreens is ensuring its national network of 108 fitting centres can provide the workshop conditions required for accurate calibration of the vast majority of camera sensors at the time of a windscreen replacement. An in-house training programme has been in place for several months and the appointment of Tim Camm as technical manager is further strengthening the company’s technical capability in this area.

Customers will also benefit from a pre-booking facility le along with a calibration-only service by appointment.

National Windscreens is currently working closely with Thatcham Research to draft an ADAS Approved Code of Practice and will be offering billing arrangements for glass and calibration on one invoice.

Technical manager Tim Camm said: “ADAS is developing very quickly. Unsurprisingly, luxury models were the first to adopt the latest technologies, but we are now seeing it trickle down to practically all makes and model of vehicle. It is anticipated that by 2020 more than 40% of new vehicles will have at least two types of driver assistance system – driven by the desirable Euro NCAP 5-star rating.

“Our figures show that at the moment, approximately 75% of all camera sensors should be calibrated under workshop conditions rather than dynamic calibration for accuracy reasons,” he added. “The functionality of these cameras is increasing all the time and the need for absolute accuracy is paramount.”