Driving style: can push up fuel costs
New on-line technology from Quartix identifies lead-footed van drivers
WE’RE sure you’re acutely aware of your fuel spend. But what can you do to bring it down? Are some of your drivers using too much fuel? Do some of them seem harder on components – such as brakes – than others? Not sure?
A telematics supplier called Quartix has a new driving style monitoring unit and reporting suite that can help you identify those drivers who are, perhaps, less diligent in their driving style than other drivers on your van fleet.
The makers say the unit can save a business van manager as much as £20,000 a year on a fleet of 20 vehicles.
The on-line technology provides accurate information on inappropriate acceleration, speeding and harsh braking. If such behaviour is identified a driver can then be persuaded to adopt a more fuel-efficient and economical driving style.
The new service comes as part of Quartix’s InfoPlus option, which provides real-time tracking with Google maps for multiple users and extensive management information and reports.
How much will this cost? It’s £10 per month for the first three months, then £22.90 per month on a 12-month rental option. Quartix is offering the entire package with free installation, no termination charge, and unlimited use of all features.
Commenting on van operators’ increasing interest in driver-style information, Andy Kirk, Quartix sales and marketing director, said: “Twelve months ago it was relatively new, but more and more people are requesting driving style information. The price of fuel has an awful lot to do with it.”
The following reports are included in the system:
- Daily time sheet
- Start location/time
- End location/time
- Travel time
- Average speed
- Maximum speed
- Idle time
- Live tracking by vehicle
- Live tracking by group
- Nearest vehicle to a post code identifying skill set
- Customised vehicle icons
- Customised locations
- Vehicle route replay
- Weekly time sheet (summary and detail)
- Monthly timesheet (summary and detail)
- Mileage report
- Time on site
- Time away from base
- Vehicle utilisation
- Overlapping vehicles
- Speed report by week
- Geo fencing – mandatory zone
- Geo fencing – prohibited zone
- Geo fencing – London congestion charge zone
- Geo fencing – London low emission zone
- Out of hours report
- Driving style reporting
- Daily driver briefing reports
- Auxiliary equipment usage
- Links to back office systems
- MOT, road tax, insurance due warning
- Driver trip reports
