TomTom Telematics has revealed its driver of the year winners for 2017.

Fife Council employee Keith Smith has been crowned the UK’s best light commercial vehicle and Mark Lowe from Peter Green Chilled was awarded in the HGV category.

Both winners were announced at a dedicated ceremony at the Circuit de Barcelona race track in Spain.

TomTom Telematics took account of both driving performance and overall mileage throughout the competition.

Smith works for Fife Council’s Demand Responsive Transport service, which operates a fleet of 38 minibuses.

Fife Council’s transport officer Mike McQueen said: “Our team provide essential transport for the elderly and disabled members of our community, so safe, smooth and comfortable driving is absolutely paramount. 

“We encourage all our drivers to keep a clear focus on this, so Keith’s top score is no surprise to me. The TomTom system has proved very effective at motivating all our staff by providing objective monitoring and recognition of their high driving standards. The Driver of the Year award is another very welcome proof point.”

Peter Green Chilled is an international chilled and frozen retail warehousing and transport company, operating a fleet of 50 HGVs.

Peter Green Chilled’s transport manager Colin Davis said: “We grade and incentivise all our drivers on their driving efficiency and safety and Mark has always been one of our star performers.

“Telematics has given us the firm foundations on which to build our efforts to encourage responsible driver behaviour across our fleet.”

TomTom Telematics’ director for UK and Ireland Beverley Wise said: “We launched this competition to raise awareness about the importance of businesses aiming for ever greater standards of safety and sustainability on the roads.

“The standard we have seen throughout the competition has been highly encouraging and outlines what can be achieved when managers give drivers the tools and support they need to improve performance.”

Pictured: (L) Derek Chant, driver trainer for Peter Green Chilled and winner Mark Lowe

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