Royal Mail is installing telemetry technology to 11,000 small vans to encourage more fuel-efficient driving styles across the UK.

The latest expansion will be using the Trimble Telemetry system and will mean that the majority of the Royal Mail fleet will be fitted with the technology aimed at further reducing its carbon emissions.

Additionally, all new Royal Mail collection and delivery vans purchased moving forward will contain some form of telemetry technology.

Telemetry was first introduced into Royal Mail’s fleet in 2015, when around 13,000 large vehicles were equipped with the technology. Since 2019, the system has saved the Company approximately 177,000 litres of fuel within its small vehicle fleet, leading to a 459-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions.

James Baker, chief engineer and fleet director at Royal Mail, said: “As a Company, we are committed to making changes to our operations that reduce our environmental impact. The wide-scale expansion of telemetry in our fleet enables us to ensure our drivers are given positive feedback and training on how to drive in the safest and most environmentally-conscious way possible, while allowing us to continue to deliver letters and parcels safely, efficiently and responsibly.”

Telemetry systems encourage more fuel-efficient and safer driving styles by monitoring the driver’s acceleration, speed, turning and braking patterns, and giving them positive feedback.

Harsh braking and acceleration wears tyres quicker and generally produces higher emissions. In the Trimble telemetry system, real-time feedback is provided to the driver on all of these points. This information is used to compile regular reports, which then create positive, tailored coaching for drivers in each Royal Mail Delivery Office involved.

Rob Painter, Trimble president and CEO, added: “Sustainability is one of the defining issues of our generation. By expanding the use of Trimble’s integrated fleet, driver and mapping solutions across its fleet, Royal Mail will have the real-time telemetry tools needed to reach its long-term operational sustainability goals. Trimble is excited to be part of Royal Mail’s journey to help reduce its environmental impact while delivering first-rate service.”