In a major upgrade to its operational, incident analysis and driver training system Dorset Police will be extending their Airmax-based fleet management system across the majority of its operational fleet.

The Airmax system is an advanced approach to operational fleet management, combining vehicle CANbus and ESCAN data with 1 metre accuracy GPS location data. The resulting report suites delivering detailed information on not just where vehicles are but also how the vehicle is being driven, the ID of the driver, faults developing on the vehicle and EDR (Event Data Recorder) standard incident and collision analysis. The aspect of ‘how the vehicle is driven’ assuming increasing importance as the ‘Duty of Care’ remit now encompasses ‘Blue light Fleets.

Paul Chick MBE, head of transport for Dorset Police, said: ‘having both used and assessed alternative systems, the adoption of the Airmax system represents a major step forward for Dorset in terms of operational fleet control, risk and cost reduction - and the fact that in partnership with vehicle manufacturers they have provided Dorset Police with a turnkey solution that takes full advantage of manufacturer’s warranty as part of our strategy to reduce SMR costs.  

"Across the board it takes us to a new level in the integration of a system that is instrumental and has a proven track record in improving efficiency and cutting costs. The EDR level data for incident and collision investigation is a significant plus point in that the functionality is embedded into a single in vehicle unit. In terms of the installation, we are especially impressed by the short time it takes to install the system either in the field or in a workshop - and the consequent cost saving’.

Airmax have tailored the Dorset Police dashboard to give managers a snapshot and overview of increases/decreases in specific driver behaviour trigger areas such as speeding, harsh acceleration and braking, over revving and long Idling events and, crucially, the resulting costs together with an environmental footprint of fleet Co2 output. A vehicle health check is also achieved via real time receipt of vehicle fault codes.

The Airmax system is installed with other UK police forces and fire & rescue services and is about to begin trials with one of the biggest NHS Ambulance organisations in the UK.

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