Vertas cuts emissions and saves £318k with telematics

Vertas has reduced its carbon emissions by more than half (57.5%) and saved £318,000, after employing telematics from Trakm8 on its fleet. 

Managing a diverse fleet of 313 vehicles, including vans, pool cars, mini-buses, and coaches, Vertas has taken a phased approach to installation of the technology.

Phase one has seen it install Trakm8’s Connect 330 plug-in solution across Vertas’ commercial fleet of 298 vehicles. 

This, it says, has provided immediate improvements in fleet efficiency, allowing Vertas to monitor and optimise driver behaviours in real-time. 

The second phase, set for later this year, will see the introduction of the RH600 telematics camera, which will provide deeper insights into vehicle performance and driver behaviour, helping Vertas to further reduce emissions and improve overall fleet efficiency.

Vertas says the “substantial” cost savings it has already achieved, since the implementation of Trakm8’s solutions in early 2023, have come through improved management of fuel consumption, maintenance schedules and driver behaviours.

These include fuel savings of £257,140, vehicle maintenance savings of £47,742, accident repair savings of £37,518, and insurance premium savings of £39,513.

The system’s ability to monitor and reduce inefficient driver behaviours, such as idling and harsh braking, has helped towards the savings, while proactive maintenance alerts from the telematics system has cut vehicle downtime and prevented expensive repairs. 

These operational improvements have directly contributed to a return on investment (ROI) of 185.23%. 

The total costs for the hardware, software, and service charges over a year were £111,576, and with the estimated savings of £318,179, Vertas achieved a ROI of £206,602.

Vertas is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2021 baseline year, with near-term target of reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. 

Lee Howes, head of fleet and passenger transport at Vertas, said: “Trakm8’s telematics technology allows us to manage vehicle and driver efficiency, which is essential as we work toward our net zero target. Their plug-in solution was perfect for our diverse fleet, with flexibility to upgrade as we continue to innovate.”

Joe Heidari, fleet and optimisation sales director at Trakm8, added “We’re proud to work with Vertas and provide tailored solutions that meet the needs of such a diverse fleet. 

“Our fleet management technology is not only enhancing their service to customers but also driving their sustainability efforts forward.”

Read more insight and analysis from Fleet News, including what every fleet decision-maker needs to know about telematics.