Driver training can have major benefits not just in reducing carbon emission through eco-driving practices but also through lower maintenance costs and less vehicle downtime because of improved driving styles.

3663 used telematics to identify drivers who needed additional training across its logistics fleet of around 340 vehicles. It launched a driving for excellence initiative along with detailed driver league tables.

The programme delivered significant savings – including an initial 5% target fuel saving - as it highlighted driving issues which were then addressed.

Meanwhile Hermes’ combined car, van and HGV fleet has seen £1 million in cost savings in the past 12 months after introducing a range of safe driving measures.

It established the Hermes Driving School, to ensure its 643 agency and company drivers meet industry-leading safe driving standards.

The driving school delivers induction and continuation training for all Hermes drivers with a concerted focus on safe driving and encouraging employees to drive fuel-efficiently with the end result being cost savings.

The focus on smarter driving has contributed to at least a 4.5% reduction in fuel consumption in the past year.

The results in reducing accident rates are also stark when comparing 2009/10 statistics with 2008/9

• 109% improvement in accident-free days per vehicle from 216 to 434 days, resulting in significant reductions in vehicle downtime and the cost of vehicle replacement
• 47% improvement in the accident rate – including bumps and scratches – per vehicle from 1.44 to 0.75
• 41.8% reduction in the number of recorded accidents from 620 to 361 across the commercial vehicle fleet
• 33.5% (£240,000) cut in the cost of incidents

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