TELEMATICS
Page 34
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Telematics has come on leaps and bounds since it’s first inception, and can pay for itself in spades if used properly. Steve Coffin, marketing and operations director at MiX Telematics explains how.
“Our system takes into account the way each individual driver and vehicle operates,” he says.
“It monitors five key areas: over-revving; unnecessary idling; harsh braking and harsh acceleration – both signs that a driver needs to read the road better; and over-speeding.
“The most important thing is to increase driver involvement, for example by producing a league table and tying that to incentives. Just fitting a black box on its own won’t produce results. Engaging with drivers is absolutely vital to gain maximum benefit from the system.” Incentives don’t, however, have to mean pay rises or financial bonuses. “We do a lot in the bus and coach world and are achieving 15%-plus fuel savings. Rewards can be given in a variety of ways. Our largest client is the Go Ahead Group, which runs 3,500 vehicles.
“They run a Driver of the Year competition in London, and the overall winner gets a car. It can be much smaller things, however. Free tea and coffee for drivers for the month if they hit targets is another possibility and costs very little.
“It’s all about passing on the recognition for good work. Everyone likes a pat on the back from time to time.
“The system definitely pays for itself, usually within six months. With fuel prices rising at the rate they are, there’s never been a better time to think about a telematics system.”