Environment Magazine

Telematics had a troubled introduction to the fleet world with its ‘Big Brother' connotations. However, a decade or more on, the ‘spy in the cab' has become established as a ‘must have' says Ashley Martin. Rarely have fleet decision-makers been handed such a revolution. In a few short years, GPS and GPRS have ended an age when drivers could be ‘invisible' after they'd left the depot.
Now, ‘track and trace' systems can improve fuel economy, boost productivity, limit their at-work driving risk exposure and reduce their transport carbon footprint through effective journey and mileage management.
Simultaneously, drivers seem to have accepted that far from being the enemy within, telematics can be their friend in the event of them having to defend themselves against accusations of speeding or failing to deliver an order on time, for example.
Meanwhile, although telematics has largely been the preserve of commercial vehicle fleets in today's 24/7 world of just-in time deliveries, there is increasing evidence that the satellite technology is finding its way into company cars.

At a conference last week the audience was told that 85% of employees that are provided car spaces by employers have a public transport alternative to work. Businesses looking to reduce emissions might therefore consider alternative transport incentives for employees that reduces the use of the car.

There are advantages all around in this approach. There is saving on emissions, on space in the workplace and ultimately around fleets. Rising fuel prices, might further encourage employees to switch. How might this be...