The move forms the latest in a number of technology updates intended to boost safety and security for Kwik Fit drivers as well as other road users and comes as the company rolls out front, rear and cab-facing cameras across its mobile fleet. 

Last year also saw the firm install telematics devices to all mobile vans with the dual aim of further improving driver behaviour on the road and boosting customer service via operating efficiency improvements. 

In the latest development, eight company cars will be fitted with telematics devices, with the company car driven by Kwik Fit fleet operations director Simon Lucas first to be equipped. Lucas said: “Kwik Fit believes it is one of the first organisations to fit telematics to company cars at management level.” 

The data recorded by the in-vehicle telemetry units monitors driver behaviour characteristics including acceleration and braking patterns, speeding and vehicle usage, fuel economy, vehicle idling and CO2 emissions; while real-time vehicle tracking enables driver/vehicle location to be monitored. 

Lucas said: “Best practice driver behaviour and the safety of all road users is important to Kwik Fit. Telematics has a role to play and having equipped the Mobile vans, we are now equipping management cars. My car will be the first to be equipped so I am leading by example.” 

Meanwhile 40 Kwik Fit Mobile vans have already been equipped with front, rear and cab-facing cameras while the rest of the 200-strong fleet will be fitted with the suite of cameras by the end of 2015. 

In addition to the safety gains, operating benefits include a reduced risk of fraudulent insurance claims from third parties, improved security for technicians when on the road and video evidence in the event of any complaint about a technician’s driving behaviour. The footage also be used as a training tool alongside management information already collated from telematics technology fitted to the mobile vans.