Fleet Tracking UK: Top Platform Needs

Between drivers' hours rules and safety regulations, fleet tracking in the UK has never been more critical, especially for businesses that operate lorries, buses, or coaches.

 

From tachograph and electrification, UK fleet tracking systems are necessary as far as safety and compliance are concerned. By merging multiple systems into one coherent fleet tracking platform, businesses can streamline processes, increase efficiencies, and better control costs.

This is especially true for companies that operate in both the UK and the EU and must adhere to international laws and regulations.

With the capability to tailor a fleet tracking system to your business, building a system that works for your needs has never been easier.

Here are the top 5 considerations when implementing fleet tracking in the UK:

 

Tachograph Integration

A digital tachograph integration can eliminate mounds of paperwork by digitally recording necessary vehicle information, such as mileage, driver hours, location, and even speed. Tachographs are essential to remaining compliant if your vehicle comes under certain rules. Depending on different criteria, rules may require tachographs for:

• Passenger vehicles
• Goods vehicles

In addition to compliance, using an integrated tachograph in your fleet tracking application can help automate manual procedures, such as reporting, to reduce human error.

This automation is also vital for driver safety, providing the ability to monitor driver compliance and safely and securely log, sync, and store data in the cloud. Plus, being able to easily and clearly view hours remaining in real time is a huge benefit, as it literally allows fleet managers to quickly login to the solution, view their stats and make instant decisions.

 

GDPR

When it comes to fleet tracking in the UK, data privacy has taken center stage.

Since its inception in May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been a blessing and a curse for many businesses. Designed to help protect consumer data, the law has directly impacted fleet tracking in the UK.

When it comes to fleet tracking in the UK, GDPR:

• Expands the definition of personal data to include GPS data
• Applies to any firm doing business in a European market, even those impacted by Brexit
• Requires firms to inform users, including employees, of any personally identifiable data collection

The rules apply not only to businesses operating in Europe but also to any company that offers goods or services to or monitors EU residents' behaviour.

Ensuring your fleet tracking software adhere to GDPR rules is key.  

 

Direct Vision Standard (DVS)

Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is another important compliance aspect of fleet tracking in the UK, especially for businesses that exist in or have fleet operations into London.

All heavy goods vehicles over 12 tons must meet DVS standards to operate in Greater London. DVS is the level of visibility a driver has through their cab windows and goes into force in March 2021.

DVS rules require all eligible vehicles to be fitted with:

• Class V and VI mirrors
• Camera monitoring system
• Sensors with driver alerts
• Audible alerts for right and left turns
• Warning signage
• Side-underrun protection

Any vehicle without all the features mentioned above will be considered out of compliance and fined.

 

Fleet Electrification

Your fleet tracking data can be your first step to electrification, helping you identify which vehicles to switch, when to make the change and what charging infrastructure you would need to implement. Electrification is a hot topic for fleet tracking in the UK, as the ban on new sales of petrol and diesel vehicles has been brought forward from 2035, to 2030. This urgency is reflected by fleet managers, with one in three expecting to electrify at least half their fleets by 2025, and another seven in 10 saying they plan to purchase at least one electric vehicle (EV) within the next two years.

As EVs make their way to commercial fleets, your business could help lead the way with the proper fleet tracking system in place, and it can be easier than you might think to get started.

Fleets that already have a fleet tracking system in place will have an easier time with the switch to electrification as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to revolutionise industries across the globe, and the introduction of electric vehicle management software can help make that transition even smoother.

 

Ease of Use

Lastly, vehicle tracking systems must be easy to use. Gone are the days of multiple platforms that do not speak to each other or share data easily.

Opportunities abound when you can manage all of your assets and vehicles in one easy-to-use platform that grows with your business.

For more information on the top UK, fleet tracking needs or to build your own platform, explore TN360 today.