Joe has banned mobile phone use even by Bluetooth, athough each vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth technology. “I don’t remove the Bluetooth because I don’t want to inadvertently drive someone to make a call by holding the phone,” he says. “However, we make it very clear: calls can wait. I don’t care if the Queen
The highest risk drivers are licence-checked, and trained, more frequently. “We use Licence Bureau training modules, which take drivers through basic training and a series of questions. Depending on how they perform, they will be directed to further modules to address their gaps in knowledge,” he says. Although he personally assesses each driver, he feels
Drivers are risk-assessed continuously. Joe studies a list of criteria including: Telematics, Loading, Speeding, Productivity, Out of hours use of the van: If drivers are not on call-out duty, this is flagged, Licence validation: all changes to licences must be reported, Induction and training attendance – even if conducted by Teams, PCNs, flag of an underlying
Metworks has no depots, only offices and so its operatives carry everything they need in the back of the van. It was initially a challenge to impress upon drivers that the respon-sibility for staying within proscribed weight limits was their personal responsibility. However, on-board scales, which show total weight and distribution over the axles and
Metworks uses Teletrac Navman. “We’ve seen our greatest benefit through the use of telematics,” he says. “Speeding has reduced by 75%. With less speeding, we’ve seen lower vehicle maintenance costs, and lower fuel costs, both down by around 10%.” Joe is very aware that risk-taking in driver behaviour is likely accompanied by risk taking in
It’s essential that Joe repeats key themes each year for their drivers, as housing associations have a high turnover of staff, particularly near London which has several other associations all keen for skilled workers. The Metworks drivers are primarily maintenance operatives and so driving is not a core part of their professional skillset. Joe uses
The first thing Joe did was to analyse the fleet’s weaknesses. Although he has since taken steps to address these weaknesses, it is an ongoing process and still informs the company’s training schedule. “We have created a programme with our training provider which targets specific areas,” he says. “I also run a driver awareness campaign
The company has speed limited its trucks to 53mph which initially irritated some drivers. However, it helps to save fuel, and it also has the important benefit of preventing close following. Consequently, the company has less windscreen damage. Overall, it has seen a 23.53 % reduction in on-road incidents year-on-year. The HGVs are also compliant
Unusually, JRT has its own in-house telematics and compliance system which integrates directly into its in-house developed transport management suite. The telematics has specific parameters set for braking, accelerating and cornering and exception events are followed up with driver coaching sessions. Defect reporting and images of load restraint are both uploaded by drivers into the
Part of JRT’s commitment to driver welfare is shown by the six-monthly health checks for all drivers. They fill out detailed questionnaires and any highlighted issues are referred to a private healthcare provider for further testing at the company’s expense if required. The drivers also receive twice yearly eye tests. The company is sensitive to
