A UK information technology company has curbed speeding drivers by 30% across its sales force after introducing new telematics technology.

The group, which wants to remain anonymous, operates a 21-strong fleet for its field sales force. It introduced a telematics system, supplied by its insurer Norwich Union, which monitors vehicle use, speeding, driving and working hours after its accident rate became too high.

Fleet managers at the group thought speeding was to blame but had no conclusive data.

A spokesman said: ‘The system, provided by Cybit, identified speeds the drivers were reaching above 70mph during the working week, and calculated the number of speeding incidents during the project. A points system based on different speed bandings, for example one point for driving between 70-79mph and three points for 80-89mph, was used to obtain a complete picture of driving behaviour.’

The results highlighted the drivers who posed the biggest speeding risk by assessing the frequency of incidents against the number of miles driven. Drivers were then shown the data and advised to complete a two-month programme to help them manage their speeding.

The spokesman said: ‘A league table was produced showing which drivers were speeding. The drivers then agreed targets they would meet, with the aim of reducing their speeding.

‘This is reviewed in regular meetings and if drivers fail to meet a target they are issued with a written warning. If this then fails they are provided with driver training but if they continue to speed after the training, the final action is dismissal.’

When data from the system was analysed, it showed a 30% reduction in all speeding ‘offences’. With drivers caught doing speeds of 90-99mph, 93% stopped breaking the law, speeds of 80-89mph by 53% and speeds of 70-79mph by 38%.

A third of drivers said they made significant changes to driving behaviour within two weeks of being told they were speeding.

The spokesman added: ‘In addition to the focus on speed management, the telematics technology was also able to assist drivers with route planning, monitoring business mileage and reducing fuel cost.’