The North East Autism Society has chosen Lightfoot to track its vehicle fleet and boost driver behaviour.

It’s fleet of more than 60 vehicles, supplied by Activa Contacts, will be equipped with the telematics system by the end of 2018.

The Society delivers a wide range of services to children and adults with autism including education, social and vocational programmes, employment skills and provides a range of residential homes, supported living arrangements and short break facilities.

Its Vauxhall Vivaro Minibuses and Ford C-Max MPVs are used to transport children and adults with autism and are driven by 270 people.

Lisa Murphy, the Society’s governance support manager, who is in charge of the fleet, said: “Lightfoot technology is being introduced for multiple reasons but all linked to safety and encouraging people to adopt a smoother style of driving when behind the wheel.

“Reducing insurance premium as a consequence of fitting the technology across the fleet, limiting vehicle wear and tear on components, and also delivering fuel savings as a result of smoother driving will cut fleet costs with the savings ploughed into the running of frontline services.

“Additionally, Lightfoot’s tracking tool means that the Society can continuously monitor each vehicle’s location, which is important in respect of both drivers and occupants’ personal safety.”

Lightfoot is designed to be fitted to company cars and light commercial vehicles. A dashboard-mounted screen provides real-time visual and verbal guidance to employees on their driving style.

The in-vehicle option has the ability to cut fleet accident rates by up to 60% and fuel bills by as much as 20%, while reducing vehicle wear and tear, insurance premiums and CO2 emissions, according to Lightfoot. 

During a 10-vehicle pilot, the Society recorded fuel savings of 8.6% - equivalent to around £15,000 a year.

Anne Cunnell, Activa Contracts’ area manager and the Society’s account manager, said: “Cost management and safety are agenda-topping items for the Society and fleet decision-makers generally and equipping vehicles with Lightfoot technology delivers results in both respects.

“The tool improves and sustains good driver behaviour. It is like having a driver trainer sitting next to a driver every second they are on the road, encouraging them in real-time to drive in the most efficient way possible and making sure they do not slip back into bad habits. Simultaneously with changing driver behaviour, evidence suggests that Lightfoot delivers a swift return on investment delivering immediate results.”

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