MOBILE telephones will form the backbone of a new fleet tracking software product that can follow drivers, even when not in the vehicle.

Anglo Communications' new Anglo Advisor uses GPS technology to pinpoint the location of the telephone user - inside or outside the vehicle - wherever they are in the UK. Drivers can send text messages to fleet operators to update their work through the system.

The system uses a special telephone with the 25 mm long GPS unit attached to the back of the mobile.

Unlike conventional tracking systems, which monitor the vehicle and not the driver, this new system tracks the mobile phone user to within five metres. The cost of the system is dependent on fleet size.

Tracking systems have proved a hot topic in the fleet industry with many drivers objecting to the use of 'big brother' technology.