Fleet briefs: Latest industry news from Licence Check, Teletrac Navman, Samsara, Lookers, Corparison and RoSPA

Licence Check becomes carbon negative ahead of deadline

Licence Check has become a carbon negative company ahead of time thanks to a series of carbon-cutting measures including home working, online meetings, car sharing and using public transport.

Working with carbon consultants, Auditel, over the past 18 months, the Derby-based business, part of the compliance division of the Ebbon Group, created a carbon reduction plan with the target of becoming carbon neutral in its operations by the end of 2023.

But, thanks to the widespread adoption across the business of a raft of carbon-cutting measures, the company has exceeded its target ahead of time, reducing its carbon emissions by 57% overall.

To offset the emissions not yet eliminated, it also purchased carbon credits equivalent to 130% of its footprint, effectively achieving carbon negative status.

The most significant change was to support employees in working from home as commuting represented 20% of its total carbon emissions, the largest single source. 

In addition, meetings were arranged online instead of face to face, and more than 90% of sales meetings conducted in 2023 to date have been conducted online or over the phone.

Licence Check managing director, Keith Allen, said: “This is a great achievement several months ahead of the deadline that we had set ourselves. It has been a united effort across the business to reduce our carbon emissions by 57% in just 18 months.”

Licence Check has also taken steps to develop its award-winning DAVIS (Driver and Vehicle Information Solution) platform to help its clients reduce their own carbon footprints.

For example, the fleet management solution, DAVIS Fleet, enables fleet managers to measure the current CO2 emissions of their vehicles, with the ability to set targets to reduce emissions helping to improve their company’s carbon footprint.

A dedicated dashboard for measuring CO2 is available, which helps businesses take steps to achieving net zero status.

Teletrac Navman debuts IQ Camera

Teletrac Navman has announced the launch of the IQ Camera, an AI-powered, dual-camera dash cam that is integrated with Teletrac Navman’s TN360 fleet management software.

It aims to give fleets a unified view of their video and telematics data so that they can understand events and be empowered to improve driver safety through informed coaching.

The IQ Camera reviews every minute of drive time and, together with TN360, it pulls driver performance data into a single location, giving fleet managers a full view of performance so that they can implement reward programs and identify areas for improvement.

Mayank Sharma, head of global product management and UX at Teletrac Navman, said: “The IQ Camera makes it easy for fleets to prioritize safety and protect drivers on the road.

“This new solution complements the existing range of video telematics offerings, that are all now fully integrated into TN360.

“This gives customers the flexibility to choose the ideal camera solution that protects drivers, simplifies safety programs, and streamlines coaching.”

The IQ camera also allows fleets to be managed in real-time and takes coaching into the cab, with driver assistance and status monitoring.

Its built-in Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) and Driver Status Monitoring (DSM) features, that include forward collision, tailgating and distracted driving, provide real-time feedback to drivers so they can make instant improvements.

“It’s important for fleet owners to take action based on all of their data,” added Sharma. “By incorporating video into training, they can make a positive impact on operational performance and costs.”

M Group Services Plant & Fleet Solutions selects Samsara and Motormax

M Group Services Plant & Fleet Solutions (MGSPFS) has been working with Samsara and Motormax to deliver in-vehicle safety systems to protect drivers. 

The collaboration combines Samsara's Connected Operations Cloud with a 360-degree camera solution from Motormax — warning drivers if a vehicle is being overloaded or if cranes, booms or stabilisers are stowed incorrectly.

In the event of any issue, the driver is alerted immediately using visual and audible warnings via Motormax's Safetymax technology.

Office-based transport managers are also notified immediately via automated email alerts sent to an online portal.

It also includes Motomax’s side detection and left-turn alarm solutions which enable MGSPFS to align to Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Direct Vision Standard (DVS) regulations.

Tony Draper, director of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) at M Group Services Plant & Fleet Solutions, said: “Our job is to keep the number of road traffic incidents to an absolute minimum because lives and jobs are at stake if we don’t. That’s why we turned to Samsara and Motormax."

Corparison becomes Carwow’s salary sacrifice partner

Corparison has partnered with Carwow to become its official salary sacrifice partner.

The partnership aims to provide solutions to Carwow’s clients through salary sacrifice, addressing their company car requirements and helping them transition to electric.

Corparison’s operations director, Matt Woodward, said: “We’re delighted to be able to develop our relationship further with the team at Carwow to help an ever-growing audience on the quest to understand and implement salary sacrifice schemes in their businesses.”

Lookers starts work on new £6m multi-franchise ‘car hub’

Lookers is on course to open ‘Lookers Car Hub’, a new multimillion-pound investment which specialises in multi-franchise sales, service, maintenance and cosmetic repair.

There will also be electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities and an on-site ‘education and experience centre’ to support growing consumer demand and enquiries for all-electric driving options.

This new facility will be based in Middlesbrough and will open later this year after getting the planning go-ahead from Middlesbrough Council.

Lookers is investing around £6 million to create the landmark dealership for the city and region.

The 25,500 square-metre site will also accommodate a standalone Ford dealership which will be located adjacent to the new, fully-branded Lookers’ Car Hub.

A separate standalone dealership is also being constructed on site to accommodate an additional dealership which will be integral to the new site.

Lookers’ chief operating officer, Duncan McPhee, said: “Committed to growth, value and excellence in every part of our business, we’re delighted to spearhead major change, innovation and investment in the Northeast where we plan to roll out an exciting, new multi-franchise dealership that meets the buying and servicing needs of every customer and which priorities EV driving for a new generation.

“Our new Lookers Car Hub also represents our confidence in Middlesbrough and the wider area, in our staff and in the local communities which we serve.”

Entries to flagship RoSPA health and safety awards now open

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has announced its flagship Health and Safety Awards are open.

As well as offering non-competitive achievement awards – in which Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merits are awarded – entrants can bid to be crowned the winner across a range of industry sectors, such as construction, manufacturing and entertainment.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievement director, said: “Now entering our 68th year, the RoSPA Awards have a global reach and provide entrants a unique opportunity to benchmark their safety performance on a global scale.

“They also offer the perfect networking opportunity, where likeminded health and safety professionals can come together and exchange lifesaving ideas and best practice.”