Ringtons has rolled out Isotrak telematics to improve fleet efficiency and performance after achieving a 25% reduction in fuel usage during trials.

With in-cab terminals, bonnet switches and panic buttons fitted to a quarter of its fleet, Ringtons will monitor improvements in driver behaviour, safety, and vehicle maintenance checks.

Stephen Killinger, operations manager at Ringtons, said: “We did a lot of research before investing in the Isotrak system, which included meeting other Isotrak users such as Sainsbury’s and Allied Bakeries among others.

“Our initial trial proved we could reduce fuel usage by 25% through monitoring undesirable driving styles such as excessive engine idling and heavy braking.

“We were also able to record that our drivers are checking their vans regularly, which reduces maintenance costs.

“Also, the in-cab computers help to encourage smoother, more fuel efficient driving and this improves road safety and reduces the opportunities for our drivers to be involved in accidents.”

Because Ringtons’ drivers are lone mobile workers, Isotrak has equipped the vehicles with panic buttons. The driver is able to press the button in an emergency to provide an immediate alert to head office.

The office can notify the emergency services and provide an accurate vehicle location if necessary. The system will also record vehicle personal use after 7 pm when the driver should have returned home for HMRC accounting purposes.

Killenger explained: “We have a duty of care for our drivers and that’s why we’ve installed the panic buttons.

“The driver simply has to press it if he feels he is in danger or needs the help of the emergency services; the system knows exactly where they are so we can help them get to the scene quickly.

“For home-based drivers HMRC needs to know whether they are using vehicles personally outside of business hours.

“With Isotrak, we can provide accurate time and date stamped records for tax purposes.”
 

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