Setting the Standard: Ardent is the Only UK Manufacturer to Achieve SPCR 197 Certification

When it comes to vehicle fire safety, evidence matters.

Manufacturers, operators and engineering teams need confidence that the systems they specify can demonstrate compliance against recognised requirements. That's why we're pleased to announce that Ardent's fire detection system is currently the only UK manufacturer to have achieved SPCR 197 certification through RISE.

This certification provides independently verified evidence of fire detection system performance, helping support vehicle approval processes and compliance requirements across the transport sector.

A Commitment to Higher Standards

"At Ardent, we believe safety is not a feature, it is a responsibility. Achieving SPCR 197 certification reinforces our commitment to protecting people and assets through rigorous engineering, independent validation and continuous improvement. This milestone reflects the values that underpin everything we do: putting customers first, acting with integrity, and delivering solutions that make transport safer and more reliable. We are proud to support the bus industry with certified technology that helps raise standards and build confidence across the sector."

- Matt Lewindon, Managing Director

Certification That Gives You Confidence

Ardent is currently the only UK manufacturer holding live SPCR 197 certification.

For OEMs and operators, that's more than a certification. It's independently verified evidence that can support vehicle approval and compliance activities.

For organisations working within the London bus market, this can help support the fire detection requirements outlined within TfL Bus Vehicle Specification 2.6.

At Ardent, we help customers go beyond the product itself, providing the technical guidance, certification documentation and industry expertise needed to support approval processes and keep projects moving forward.

What Does TfL Bus Vehicle Specification 2.6 Require?

For operators and manufacturers working within the London bus market, the focus is on demonstrating that vehicle fire risks have been properly assessed and managed.

TfL Bus Vehicle Specification 2.6 applies to the vehicle as a whole, requiring evidence that appropriate fire safety measures are in place.

This is where SPCR 197 certification can help.

By providing independent validation of fire detection system performance, SPCR 197 can support compliance documentation and strengthen the evidence submitted as part of the vehicle approval process.

At Ardent, we do more than supply fire detection systems. We work alongside customers to provide the technical guidance, certification evidence and application expertise needed to support vehicle approval and compliance processes.

Looking to the Future

This certification is another step forward in Ardent's ongoing commitment to improving vehicle fire safety and supporting customers with practical, proven solutions.

As regulations and customer expectations continue to evolve, our focus remains the same: delivering reliable fire suppression and fire detection solutions backed by evidence, expertise and long-term support.

Independent certification. Independent assurance. A commitment to helping organisations protect people, assets and operations.

To learn more about Ardent's fire detection and fire suppression systems, get in touch with our team.