Affordable tracker that gives greater control of vehicles

A NEW “game-changing”, real-time telematics and vehicle tracking alert system has been launched by mapping specialist Viezu Technologies to help its fleet customers and vehicle owners with an affordable tracker that gives greater control and information about the use of their vehicles.

What’s more, adopting an equally unique and innovative approach, the low cost solution is available to fleets, vehicle owners and retail customers without any contractual obligations, on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Available as either a wired or wireless system, Amber Connect provides fleet managers, vehicle owners, and for the first time vehicle drivers, with a host of data and alerts which can help modify driving behaviour, reduce running and administration costs and improve vehicle security.

Amber trackers are available from just £140 and just require users to install their own SIM card into the device and then simply pay for the data transferred – usually just pennies a month. Fitting is available nationwide through Viezu’s network of approved installers.

Viezu Technologies’ CEO Paul Busby says: “Through the work we’ve carried out remapping thousands of fleet vehicles over the last eight years, it’s been clear that fleet managers and vehicle owners are looking for even greater control and information about how their vehicles are being used.

“Amber Connect is a revolutionary system which meets these needs, allowing fleet managers, business owners and the drivers themselves to have a smart connection with their vehicles, detect their whereabouts and protect against or eliminate unauthorised use, abuse and poor driving. Furthermore, the super low cost, pay-as-you-go basis makes it really attractive to the smallest of fleets or even single vehicles. Tracking has never been easier or smarter.”

Once vehicles are fitted with the tracking device, fleet managers can receive a host of real-time and historic information such as current location, journey route, time and speed via the free to download Amber Connect smartphone app or web portal. Alerts can also be configured to notify both the fleet manager and the driver of aspects such as harsh braking or acceleration.

Fleet managers can “listen-in” if an emergency situation arises, and if they deem it necessary in instances where they suspect abuse, unauthorised use or vehicle movement, even cut off power to the engine remotely via the Amber smartphone app.

A suite of reports are available which provide ratings and scores for driver behaviour. Fleet managers and business owners can choose to make these automatically available to drivers in order to encourage them to modify and improve their own behaviour, leading to improved safety and lower running costs.

In addition to the real-time benefits, Amber Connect can also help the accuracy of business mileage claims. Indeed, initial trials of the system’s business mileage claim function has already shown instances of incorrect business mileage claims being reduced by up to 40 per cent, offering a huge saving to business owners and assisting the driver with correct HMRC mileage information.

Busby adds: “Our Amber tracker has been developed with all business vehicles in mind, from the very smallest of fleets to the very largest of operators, it combines intelligent vehicle usage analysis with powerful security applications.

“Not only does the system provide reports and real time data that help lower costs, improve safety and eliminate abuse, but its ability to configure vehicle vibration alerts combined with the power to turn the engine off remotely is a totally unique security feature. The wireless system also means for the first time unpowered assets, such as trailers, can be tracked, located and reported on just like any other vehicle, in the same way, on the same app.”