Posted: Tuesday, 11 November 2014
A recent survey from Masternaut, a European telematics manufacturer, reveals that the majority of Europe's professional drivers have no problem with telematics equipment being installed in their vehicles. In fact, the majority said they were 'comfortable' with the idea. Moreover, as with regular licence checks among company drivers, installing telematics equipment gives fleet operators more control over their equipment and personnel.
The survey revealed that approximately 72% of company drivers were operating vehicles without telematics already installed. However, when asked whether they would welcome such equipment or not, 68% said they would. Among those that were not open to the idea, there were three primary objections:
As to whether or not companies will more aggressively embrace telematics as a result of the survey is unclear. The industry has been unstable lately with businesses unwilling, or unable, to invest the money in the new equipment. Nevertheless, those who have made the commitment say that telematics increases efficiency and reduces costs.
In a general sense, telematics is nothing more than a data transmission system combining computer technology and mobile data technology. It can be used for everything from sending text messages to figuring out where you are at any time of the night or day. Where companies and fleets are concerned, telematics are used to track drivers, plan routes, and improve efficiency of vehicles.
For example, a large motoring company with a fleet of vehicles operating in and around London may use the GPS capabilities of a telematics system to improve routing. This would keep vehicles out of the busiest sections of the city during peak traffic times, thus reducing fuel consumption and time wasted in traffic.
Utilising telematics in company vehicles is one way to increase efficiency and save money. Likewise, licence checks are an important part of any business where vehicles are used on a regular basis. Where telematics tracks vehicles, licence checking tracks drivers. At least in the sense that checking licences makes it easier for a fleet manager to know when a driver should not be behind the wheel.
Fleet Licence Check is one company offering licence-checking services along with claims handling service. We believe that checking the licences of your drivers is one of the easiest and most cost effective things you can do to maintain driver safety and legal compliance. It will become even more important from the beginning of 2015, when the paper licence document is officially phased out.
We check more than 20,000 licences annually on behalf of motoring companies of all sizes. If you own company vehicles, you cannot afford to not check the licences of your drivers from time to time. We can help. Fleet Licence Check offers one-off services to small companies as well as complete licence checking and claims handling for larger companies.