Cellcontrol is launching its DriveID distracted driving monitoring and blocking system in the UK market.

The system, which is already on sale in the US, consists of DriveID, a solar-powered device that is fixed to the windscreen behind the rear-view mirror, DriveProtect, an app that is loaded onto the phone and a web-based administration console. 

Using the web console, fleet managers can create mobile phone policies that replicate their own corporate  policy, determining if or how their phones can be used. For example, hands-free use can be allowed, as can the use of Sat Nav, music, or the phone can be locked down entirely.   

Any attempt to tamper with Cellcontrol generates a notification that is sent to the fleet administrator.

Another unique aspect is that DriveID can determine where the phone is in the vehicle, so passengers can be allowed to use their phones but not the person sitting in the driving seat. Calls to the emergency services are always allowed. 

The optional DrivePerformance module provides information based on harsh braking, acceleration and speed which can be used for driver debriefs to discuss how to improve driving style. Smoother driving also equals better fuel economy so this should help the system quickly pay for itself. There is also an option to see a history of journeys that highlights driving incidents. 

iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, tablets and even some laptops are supported. 

Andrew Tillman, managing director of G2M Technologies said: “We specialise in bringing new fleet technologies to the UK market and we have been trying to find a distracted driving solution that actually works for over three years. Most are app-only, which means that the driver has control so they can circumvent them and none that we found are officially supported by Apple so they don’t work with iPhone.

"Others have a dongle that fits in the OBD port but these don’t fit all vehicles and can lead to vehicle warranty issues. Drive ID, however, works in any vehicle and with all popular smartphones so, once it’s fitted, fleet managers can be assured that their drivers are conforming to their mobile phone policy.”