CHAUFFEUR and courier company Direct Response, which operates a fleet of more than 50 cars as well as 70 vans and bikes has replaced its two-way radio system with mobile phones from One 2 One, the mobile phones arm of Mercury Communications.

The company replaced the rented two-way radio system it had used since the organisation was formed in 1992, and bought 40 One 2 One compatible Motorola Flares for its fleet of Mercedes and BMWs earlier this year.

Direct Response had been spending approximately £750 each month for the two-way radios in 20 vehicles plus another £1,000 per month contacting a dozen drivers who had their own mobiles connected to other networks. The average monthly bill exceeded £1,750.

The company now keeps in contact with 40 drivers using the One 2 One service for approximately £1,200 per month - including the cost of calls. This means dispatchers are in contact with the expanded fleet of vehicles for less money than the equivalent of keeping in contact with just 30 drivers.