Fleets urged to sign up to new national road safety initiative

Dubbed ‘Project Pictogram’, the scheme uses simple safety ‘Pictograms’ in a recognisable road sign style displayed on fleet vehicle back doors to deliver key road safety messages on speed, distractions (such as mobile phones and drinking coffee at the wheel), alcohol or drug impairment and wearing a seat belt.

‘Pictogram’ sticker-sets cost £2.75 to produce and last the life-time of the vehicle, providing invaluable daily reminders of these easy-to-change, but potentially lifesaving driver habits.

Home and garden retailer Homebase (part of Home Retail Group) is among the first businesses to sign up to the scheme while Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service, which is also supporting the initiative with stickers across its fleet, is hosting the ‘Project Pictogram’ web-page where full guidelines and artwork files can be downloaded free of charge: www.hantsfire.gov.uk/project-pictogram

Dave Clements, Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service, explained: “The Primary Authority scheme aims to provide businesses with cost effective risk-reduction solutions. ‘Project Pictogram’ is clearly designed to deliver business profit protection on the roads, as well as the clear human cost benefits for a brand’s customers.”     

The service is encouraging other business, local authorities, driving schools, colleges, sports clubs and community groups to also sign up to the scheme.

Home Retail Group’s health & safety manager, Andy Leigh added: “This is a great low-cost initiative that provides a simple reminder of road safety rules that help to keep traffic flowing.” 

‘Project Pictogram’ is endorsed by the UK’s major road safety professionals; Road Safety GB, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), and is also a finalist in the Brake Fleet Road Safety Awards 2015 for Innovation.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.