UPDATED: Asda halts plans for driver-facing cameras following union opposition

Supermarket giant Asda has “indefinitely halted” plans to install driver-facing cameras into its home shopping delivery vans following opposition from the GMB union.

The company had intended to introduce the technology to improve safety, with the artificial intelligence-equipped cameras able to identify areas of risk such as driver tiredness and distracted driving.

However, GMB had serious concerns that the use of this technology amounted to a severe breach of privacy and unnecessary intrusion on a driver while at work, ultimately leading to drivers leaving the business.

A GMB spokesperson said: “GMB is really pleased that Asda has listened to our feedback and has indefinitely halted the driver distraction system trial.

“This is a huge win for GMB drivers and their health and safety representatives.”

An Asda spokesperson told The Times it had put the proposal on hold as it concentrated efforts to revive its grocery business.

They added: “This proposal did not reach the operational stage and has been paused while we focus on other projects.

“Colleague safety remains of paramount importance and we continue to look at how technology can be used to keep colleagues safe across our business.”

In contrast, the unions have had no issue with the Lightfoot telematics system and its in-cab driver coaching solution, which has been fitted to the 3,000-strong grocery delivery fleet since 2021. Lightfoot did not supply the in-cab cameras.

Lightfoot also runs competitions through an app for Asda drivers, with those reaching Elite status eligible for weekly prizes. As a result, between them Asda drivers have won thousands of pounds’ worth of prizes and cash.

Live driver coaching has improved safety and resulted in more economic driving, reducing both the number of incidents and the carbon footprint of the Asda fleet.

“We have worked closely with Asda and its drivers for many years now, and we are extremely proud of the results we have achieved together,” said Lightfoot CEO Paul Hollick.

The GMB spokesperson said the union had now committed to working with Asda on the issues its driver members believe need resolving.

The list, it added, includes fixing or replacing reversing cameras, improving the conditions of the vans, ensuring adequate time to carry out deliveries, improving outcomes for vehicle defect checks, making it easier for drivers to take breaks, improving sanitation, sat nav improvements and having air conditioning in the vans.