New vehicle telematics agreement to help public sector boost efficiency

A vehicle telematics agreement designed to help the public sector improve fleet safety and efficiency has been launched by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).

The agreement has been developed to help organisations manage their fleets more effectively by improving safety and efficiency through the use of telematics technology.

Data analysis

Telematics enable fleet managers to monitor things like fuel consumption, vehicle tracking and driver behaviour. This data can then be used to look at ways to make significant cost reductions based on the whole life cost of vehicles.

The agreement was developed in conjunction with police, ambulance, local government and central government customers and features a range of suppliers, all of which are small and medium sized businesses.

In a news post, CCS says the benefits of vehicle telematics for public sector organisations can be significant and include:

• vehicle tracking supports the management of risk, driver safety (including two-way communication), work planning and vehicle usage
• potential reduction of insurance premiums
• better understanding of driver behaviour can help improve safety by identifying driver training needs
• reduction in emissions through effective driver behaviour management, fuel consumption efficiency and future vehicle selection
• aids whole life cost analysis and management by tracking servicing, maintenance and repair costs on vehicles
• for vehicles which are in private user schemes, telematics can help distinguish between operational and private use to help with expenses and tax returns
• supports duty of care and regulatory compliance, for example, tracking drivers who drive for long periods of time.

CCS says it expects public sector organisations to be able to save £3 for every £1 invested if the benefits are realised.