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68% think In-car technology is a dangerous distraction

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68% of motorists say they’ve noticed an increase in other drivers being distracted by dashboard controls or using their mobile phones, but just 13% admit to being side-tracked themselves when driving.

The somewhat paradoxical findings are from a survey carried out by Venson Automotive Solutions that also shows that while 38% of drivers use hands-free/Bluetooth in-car technology for making phone calls whilst driving, nearly a fifth admitted to balancing the ‘phone somewhere to keep an eye on it, such as a cup holder, when using it as a satnav.

The survey results come as the Department of Transport (DfT) has announced a review of roads policing that will look at ways of reducing road casualties and deaths, and is asking for evidence on in-car technology and how this could be increasing accident risks as well as reducing it.

Businesses and fleet managers are recommended by Venson to impress on drivers the dangers of being distracted by their in-car tech and ensure robust processes are in place to meet their duty of care obligations. 

Drivers currently risk six penalty points on their licence and a £200 fine if they use a hand-held phone or satnav when driving. For motorists who passed their driving test within 2 years of being caught, the consequences are even more severe – they will automatically lose their licence and have to reapply and pay for a new provisional licence – passing both theory and practical parts of the driving test again to get a full licence.

However, the Venson survey shows that people’s appetite for more advanced in-car tech is growing – even if it isn’t in their current vehicle; 67% saying they would use a dashboard satnav if it were available in their car and nearly 50% of people surveyed said that they would like to have an emergency call button in their car in case of being involved in a road accident.

An app which informs the driver about the health of their vehicle’s tyres would also be welcomed by 48% of people, while 43% would make use of driver assistance technology such as cruise control, lane departure detection and speed limit exceeded notifications. 

In contrast, only 26% of people surveyed said they would like to see entertainment or lifestyle dashboard technology, such as apps that play music or offer concierge services.

Simon Staton, Client Management Director at Venson, said: “We may have some of the safest roads in the world, but anything that can be done to reduce the number of casualties on our roads is to be welcomed. The advances made in in-car technology have moved on very quickly, and as they become standard in new vehicles, the scope for driver distraction also grows. We look forward to the results and recommendations from the DfT review and would encourage businesses and fleetmanagers to get involved in the consultation process.”

The review is open for input until 5th October 2020.   More information can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/roads-policing-review-future-methods-to-improve-safety-and-reduce-causalities

The upcoming Fleet Summit has moved dates! Attend in person or virtually…

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Due to the recent updates from the government, we have made the decision to move the date of the Summit to the 8th & 9th October at Whittlebury Park, Northampton.

Still forming the same concept, your guest pass includes; a personalised itinerary of relaxed meetings with top industry suppliers, networking with fellow professionals that share your challenges, overnight accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

There is no hard sell at the event, just a great opportunity to build business relationships – Virtual attendance options are also available.

Social Distancing: We are abiding by social distancing rules to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our event attendees and staff. The event will have restricted attendee numbers, pre-arranged meetings and clear floor markings throughout. Meeting booths now allow for a 1-2-meter gap with a clear partition screen between both participants, as well as other forms of prevention.

Click here to confirm your place or if you cannot make this date, then we are also hosting a 2nd annual Fleet Summit on 9th & 10th November at the same venue.

For more information about these Summit’s, contact us today.

WEBINAR REWIND: Big Data & Maximising Performance with Webfleet

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Don’t worry if you missed last week’s webinar from Webfleet looking at the use of big data in fleet management – You can re-watch the entire session online!

Big data is central to our lives on a level not seen before, even if we don’t know it. The stock levels available on supermarket shelves, to which TV programs Netflix recommends, or scientific advice in the government’s daily briefings, it’s all a result of big data feeds that everyone is a part of, and fleet is no exception.

Joined by Highways England, the Webfleet team will explored how big data is already driving change in current transport operations and shaping the future of mobility.

So whether you are looking at the safety & wellbeing of employees on our roads, using AI to assist with purchasing the right vehicles, or using big data to make meaningful business decisions, then this webinar is for you.

Key learnings:

• How does big data help you to decide the future of your fleet? – How can big data help you identify which vehicles you buy or which vehicles become electric?
• Discussions with Mark Cartwright from the Safer Roads Team – Focus on how big data is used by Highways England to make the roads safer and introduce new protocols.
• How big data can be used by your business to make your fleet safer. Using Gamification to allow comparisons of individuals within your fleet or industry average. When business returns to the “new normal”, how will you quickly identify those in your fleet who are the biggest risk? Old world risk vs new world risk.

To rewatch the webinar now, click here.

We’ve got all your needs covered at the Fleet Summit

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Your free pass to this September’s Fleet Summit waiting for you – and you’ll be able to attend either in person or virtually via video link.

Your attendance is fully complimentary and includes; overnight accommodation (if attending in person), access to budget-saving and innovative solution providers, LIVE seminar sessions, networking with peers, plus all meals and refreshments throughout if attending on site.

14th & 15th September – Whittlebury Park, Northampton – Live and virtual attendance options are available.

We have a very limited number of places left – click here to confirm your free pass today.

Alternatively, you can contact us if you have any questions.

Do you specialise in LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management? We want to hear from you!

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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet & logistics market – and in August we’ll be focussing on LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Chris Cannon on 01992 374096 / c.cannon@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Aug – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sep – Vehicle Tracking
Oct – Duty of Care
Nov – Grey Fleet
Dec – Service, Maintenance & Repair

Electric vehicles top 2020 fleet buying trends

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Electric Vehicles, Telematics & Tracking and Hybrid Vehicles top the list of solutions the UK’s leading fleet management professionals are sourcing in 2020.

The findings have been revealed by the Fleet Summit and are based on delegate requirements ahead of this year’s events.

Delegates registering to attend the event were asked which areas they needed to invest in during 2020 and beyond.

A significant 79% are looking to invest in EVs, 55% for Telematics & Tracking and 49% for Hybrid Vehicles.

Just behind were EV Charging (47%) and Fuel Management (45%).

% of delegates at the Fleet Summit sourcing certain products & solutions (Top 10):

Electric Vehicles 79%
Telematics & Tracking 55%
Hybrid Vehicles 49%
Electric Vehicles – Charging 47%
Fuel Management 45%
Accident Management 43%
Fleet Management Software 40%
Dash Cams 34%
Fuelcards 34%
Risk Management 34%

To find out more about the Fleet Summit, visit https://fleetservicessummit.co.uk.

TP Fire & Security boosts driver safety and MPG while cutting emissions and idling time

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TP Fire & Security, one of the UK’s leading providers of fire and security protection, has announced the successful implementation of Lightfoot’s award-winning in-cab technology across its fleet, leading to increases in fuel economy of over almost 10%, a 59% uplift in elite driver numbers, and the eradication of instances of dangerous driving.

Utilising Lightfoot’s pioneering driver rewards platform, TP Fire & Security has also seen an 57% fall in instances of over acceleration, an 8% drop in harsh cornering, and a 7% fall in vehicle idling.

The organisation, which provides everything from alarm system maintenance and installation to extinguisher servicing and risk management, operates a fleet of 34 vans consisting of Citroen Berlingo and Renault Traffic vehicles. 

In addition to its installation team, TP Fire & Security also has an emergency call-out team, which rapidly deploys engineers to address instances of minor equipment faults through to full scale system shut downs.

Requiring swift responses, TP Fire & Security places great emphasis on safe and efficient call-outs, ensuring that its staff arrive on site without delays caused by avoidable accidents or incidents linked to harsh driving styles, particularly in difficult driving conditions.

Lightfoot’s ability to encourage smooth, mindful and above all safe driving, was vital to TP Fire & Security, as vehicles involved in even the most minor of accidents delay call-out times dramatically and put the wellbeing of staff at risk.

In addition to lowering the likelihood of accidents that can lead to vehicle downtime, the smoother driving style promoted by Lightfoot’s real time driver guidance and rewards package has led to a 9.8% reduction in emissions.

Commenting on the positive impact that Lightfoot has had on its drivers, Mel Jackson, Health and Safety Manager at TP Fire & Security, said: “Running a fleet of 34 vehicles has its challenges. Keeping track of drivers is the simple element. Tracking driver behaviour is where the serious management of our fleet takes place. 

“The results are excellent. Our driver performance has increased resulting in a 100% reduction in instances of dangerous driving, plus we’ve seen an uplift in mpg by 9.8%. Our team have transformed the way they drive, aided both by the assistance of Lightfoot’s on board dashboard device and its engaging driver rewards package.

“For us, it’s great. Finally, a solution providing immediate and readily available data with the presence of a continual on-board driving coach.”

Mark Roberts, Lightfoot’s Founder and CEO, commented: “TP Fire & Security has a vital role to play in protecting businesses, providing fire protection and detection services that safeguard premises, staff and assets. Having the ability to get on site safely and with certainty is core to their business, which is why Lightfoot’s ability to enhance duty of care to staff on the road proved so attractive.

“Since installing Lightfoot, TP Fire & Security’s drivers have transformed their driving style. Elite Driver numbers have leapt, and instances of dangerous driving have been eradicated. Add to that lower fuel bills, a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced staff wellbeing through the adoption smoother, safer driving, incentivised via a raft of rewards, and it’s a win-win result for all involved.”

Lightfoot’s innovative in-cab driver feedback helps drivers achieve greater efficiency from their vehicles with fuel savings and corresponding emissions reductions of up to 20%. Combined with falls in at fault accidents by up to 40% and wear and tear costs by 45%, Lightfoot brings about multiple benefits to fleets. 

Its pocket-sized dashboard display device uses live engine data to provide real-time visual and audible feedback to drivers, helping fleets improve efficiency and safety one mile at a time. 

Lightfoot also provides drivers with an app, giving users full insight into their performance and score, alongside access to exclusive competitions which drivers can opt in to enter as soon as they achieve Lightfoot’s ‘Elite Driver’ standard; the point at which fleets see the best efficiencies and savings across the board. In addition to the highly popular cash-prize Drivers’ Lottery, drivers can enter competitions for a range of other prizes that serve as an incentive to maintain a smoother driving style.

Considered revolutionary in the fleet management and telematics worlds, Lightfoot’s disruptive approach to reducing accidents has been adopted by some of the largest companies in the market, including Virgin Media, Greencore, and South West Water.

To find out more about how Lightfoot can transform your fleet, visit https://www.lightfoot.co.uk/.

New whitepaper from Webfleet Solutions: ‘Prepare to plug in’

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To coincide with the launch of Webfleet Solutions Electric Vehicle functionality within WEBFLEET, the company have announced a new whitepaper: ‘Prepare to plug in’.

In this edition they explore what electric vehicles will mean for commercial fleets and how telematics can unlock their full value. The big question for anybody that wants to add EVs to their fleet is this: how do I ensure I get all of the positive impact while avoiding the pitfalls? This guide is here to help.

To find our more please visit this website.

Fleets ‘key to unlocking an electric vehicle revolution’

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UK fleets have the potential to accelerate an electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with a shift to zero tailgate emissions generating fuel cost savings of around 63% across a fleet and significantly boosting the second hand car market.

That’s according to a new report from Cornwall Insight and PwC – “Leading the charge! Fleet charging – a catalyst for the EV revolution”, which says that with 5.3 million vehicles on the UK’s roads, fleets – a group of vehicles owned or leased by businesses – are a vital part of the transport sector. 

As the UK moves towards net zero, fleets could be a major component in this journey by leading the charge in the electric vehicle roll-out – a move that would represent half of the number of EVs expected by 2030.

The decarbonisation of the light vehicle fleet will also have a positive impact on air quality. Research in the report states that if all 5.3 million fleet vehicles were to generate zero emissions as much as 30 million tonnes of CO2 would be eliminated – around 25% of all UK transport emissions.

In evaluating the electrification of the fleet market, the report identifies which segments of the sector will be crucial to leading the EV revolution and outlining a road map that fleets may follow as they electrify.

Key findings of the report:

  • Fleet electrification is a critical catalyst that will enable the EV revolution in the UK.
  • Field services, depot-based logistics and leased corporate car fleets are likely to electrify first.
  • Government policy has a critical role to play in enabling the EV fleet transition.
  • The business models of charge point operators need to incorporate some key principles to be successful.
  • Fleet electrification providers will be an attractive opportunity for institutional investors.
  • If fleets are to maximise the opportunity of electrification, they need to take some critical and preparatory steps in designing their road map.

Not only do fleets constitute a sizeable proportion of the UK’s transport sector, but they are also responsible for more than half of new car registrations (56%) in 2019. So it is easy to see how the electrification of fleets has transformative implications for EVs.

And with a life cycle of between two to four years, fleet electrification has the potential to accelerate growth in the private, second-hand market. As fleets renew their stock, this will not only deliver greater choice and affordability for consumers but will, in turn, act as a catalyst for increased consumer adoption of EVs. Choice and affordability are still one of several barriers to EV update.

However, as the fleet electrifies, this will reinforce the need and underpin the economics of EV charging infrastructure throughout the UK. This will ensure ‘range anxiety’ does not stall the electrification of this vital segment.

On the findings of the report, Daniel Atzori, Research Partner at Cornwall Insight, said” “The electrification of fleets is set to gain momentum, driven both by sustainability commitments and by compelling economic drivers. 

“Fleets are likely to play a crucial role in the upcoming electrification of mobility and therefore in the decarbonisation of transport.

“Since fleets can ensure a high rate of utilisation of charging assets, fleet charging offers a range of interesting investment propositions. Having a clear and well-defined strategy will be crucial for fleet managers, charge point operators and investors looking to achieve leadership in this emerging market.”

Steve Jennings, PwC’s Energy and Utilities leader, said: “As well as demonstrating the appeal for investors, our report also illustrates  how utilities and charge point operators (CPOs) may play a key role in supporting EV fleet adoption, with business models evolving around advisory support to promote charging infrastructure and fine-tune electrification.

“It’s clear that field services, depot-based logistics and leased corporate car fleets have the right characteristics (such as predictable driving and charging patterns) to spearhead EV adoption.

“However pent up demand and rising levels of awareness amongst fleets is not enough to accelerate adoption.Government policy has a critical role to play. As we emerge from the current Covid-19 pandemic, alongside a strong focus on stimulating economic growth, we may see a growing emphasis on sustainability, including regulatory and strategic support for EV charging, to help address emission levels and improve air quality.

“Without policy certainty for all stakeholders across fleets, EV charging providers and investors, there is a risk that the full potential of this burgeoning EV revolution will not be realised.”

WEBINAR: Big data & maximising performance

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‘Let’s Explore’ from Webfleet Solutions is back! Join the team as they explore big data, connected transport management, driver wellbeing and much more. Big data is central to our lives on a level not seen before, even if we don’t know it.

The stock levels available on supermarket shelves, to which TV programs Netflix recommends, or scientific advice in the government’s daily briefings, it’s all a result of big data feeds that everyone is a part of, and fleet is no exception!

Joined by Highways England, the team will explore how big data is already driving change in current transport operations and shaping the future of mobility.

Click here to register now