The real-time web-based system is fitted to various vehicles and vehicle types within the Council’s existing fleet. This includes fuel-efficient pool cars that can be used instead of drivers’ own vehicles. As older vehicles are replaced, all new vehicles have the system fitted as standard as part of the vehicle leasing agreement

With Masternaut, Mark Green, the Council’s Fleet Manager, and his team can monitor exactly how vehicles are used. The high tech system identifies each vehicle’s position and its status, displaying its position on screen for an instant view of activity, including whether the vehicle is stationary or its speed if moving. It also creates historic activity reports.

‘The system has helped the Borough save money on fleet costs in many ways. It has eliminated unnecessary journeys and reduced speeding. It gives us the ability to plan better, direct routes so that drivers get to their destinations easier and quicker. We are seeing CO2 levels come down annually and we are using less fuel,’ he said.

‘No vehicle fitted with the system to date has been booked for speeding, which contrasts sharply with the vehicles that aren’t tracked by Masternaut. The system is also compatible with our Arval fuel card system, making it easier to analyse fuel usage for each vehicle,’ added Mr. Green.

Earlier this year, the Council was nominated by the Energy Saving Trust for a special fleet environmental award, which it duly won.

Nigel Underdown, head of Transport at the Energy Saving Trust, said: ‘Mark Green and his team at RBWM have worked very hard on reducing emissions from all areas of their fleet operation. This has included grey fleet drivers – a notoriously difficult group – and the use of fuel-efficient pool cars where possible. Better data collection has also allowed them to gain greater management control of both their own fleet and those in cars acquired through salary sacrifice.’