Safety champion awards

Large public sector fleet (more than 500)

Winner: Environment Agency

“The Environment Agency has taken huge strides forward over the past year, with new initiatives such as driver training via the Brake pledge to drive safely scheme. It has also created a team to investigate the causes of accidents that will identify patterns and establish solutions to tackle individual cases.”

Small public sector fleet (up to 500)

Winner: NHS Blood & Transport

“NHS Blood and Transport has come a long way in a short time. A roadcraft practical training programme is backed with classroom sessions; a road risk policy covers all the key elements of safety and staff have willingly bought into the initiative. Own-fault incidents have fallen by 80% – a superb result.”

Large private sector fleet (over 500)

Winner: Mitie Group

“A complete overhaul of safety policies has resulted in much greater levels of staff engagement. Mitie’s safety policy is comprehensive, covering everything from driver assessments to training, vehicle inspections to performance monitoring. Its KPIs ensure that every measure of risk management is acted upon.”

Small private sector fleet (up to 500)

Winner: Iron Mountain

“Iron Mountain had already reduced its incidents by 71% through driver training and risk management initiatives before installing telematics. It is the final link in the safety chain and has resulted in a further 80% cut in incidents. The company also takes its message out into the local community, educating children on the importance of safety. It sets an outstanding example for any company.”

Innovation in fleet safety

Winner: AAH Pharmaceuticals

“AAH has created a formal NVQ qualification for its van drivers which is backed by SAFED training and a driver of the year competition. Car drivers are targeted by a Safe Drive programme. Its many innovative policies are having a real impact – van accidents have been cut by 23% this year.”

Driver management initiative of the year

Winner: Bethell

“A Driving for Better Business champion, Bethell has developed a ‘safety-first’ culture policy which is subject to continuous improvement. In-depth driver profiling, which assess on eight traits, and remedial training is a core part of its management initiative.”

Fleet safety champion of the year (private)

Winner: Rob Lindsay, Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services

“Balfour Beatty has been at the spearhead of driver safety with its zero harm initiative that has since been adopted by a number of other organisations in various guises. A cornerstone of this policy is its £200,000 Driving Simulator which is helping to train drivers in accident avoidance. It’s a real statement of intent and one that earns the company the fleet safety champion of the year award for fleets in the private sector.”

Fleet safety champion of the year (public)

Winner: Rick Stillman,South Central Ambulance Service

“South Central Ambulance Service, or SCAS as it’s known internally, has recently been awarded Van Excellence status by the Freight Transport Association. Its focus on safety is paramount with intensive training and a vehicle maintenance programme that far exceeds any manufacturer requirement. SCAS has the best safety record of any ambulance fleet in the country and deservedly takes the safety champion award in the public sector.”