Telematics systems put to the test

Fleet News is organising two telematics trials to conduct an independent test into the benefits of vehicle tracking.

We will be evaluating the benefit of using telematics systems to a van fleet in reducing fuel consumption and mileage, as well as allowing technicians to operate more efficiently.

We will also be looking at trials with a car fleet to investigate how telematics systems can improve safety as well as whether there is a measurable improvement in fuel consumption, and the impact on the environment.

The van fleet trial begins on May 1 involving 15 Ford Transit vehicles run by a Peterborough-based company.

The vans will be fitted with tracking systems from three different tele-matics suppliers.

Systems from Quartix, Road Angel and Tracker will be used for three months and data compared with figures recorded by the vehicles over the same period in 2009.

Different suppliers have been used to ensure independence, and systems will measure the same factors to ensure comparison of like-for-like data.

Units from each supplier will be used in different regions, and the systems will also be evaluated in terms of usability from a fleet and driver perspective.

Suppliers for the car fleet trial will be TomTom Work, Traffilog and Trimble MRM, and each of these companies will provide five units.

More information on the car fleet telematics evaluation will be revealed in the near future.