Fleet software in the news
Commercial Motor 12th November 2009
On 1 APRIL, officials from VOSA were given new powers to levy Graduated Fixed Penalty notices for some traffic offences (although VOSA did not begin acting on the e powers until 28 May).
VOSA figures show that in the first three months, 11,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for a range of offences with more than 800 vehicles being immobilised.
Cynics might suggest the new powers given to VOSA are chiefly to enable foreign hauliers to be punished for committing a variety of offences on UK roads - after all, data highlights that foreign-owned HGVs are responsible for a major number of crashes and offences.
While, the first tranche of VOSA figures highlight that more than 60% of penalty notices were issued to driver of non-UK vehicles, that still means almost 40% of vehicles stopped were UK-registered.
Enforcement officers can issue a penalty, and where the driver fails to provide a satisfactory address in the UK, take immediate full payment as a deposit for offences such as a mechanical defect or drivers' hours. Officers can also immobilise vehicles where driving hours, weight or vehicle safety rules have been broken.
Keeping records
VOSA described the number of vehicles stopped and the fines levied since their introduction as "encouraging'.'
The system itself might be 'encouraging' for VOSA, and for safety on the UK's roads, but for vehicle operators it means best practice compliance is key.
The fixed penalty fine may 'only' be between £30 and £200, but once you're on VOSA's radar, a company is likely to find itself in the spotlight for regular checks.
To avoid falling foul of the law and to ensure no disruption to business efficiency, operators that use fleet management systems have introduced daily defect reporting systems.
As the net closes in on 'rogue' operators, it is imperative firms have a fully auditable record of vehicle maintenance checks and regular inspections in place.
Indeed, drivers at DHL, one of Jaama's long-standing clients, carry out a daily walk-around appraisal of their vehicles, and use a personal digital assistant (PDA) to record 'nil' defects or any work needed. Arrangements can then be made for the vehicle to be booked into a workshop.
With most commercial vehicles carrying distinctive liveries and extensive roadside automatic number-plate-recognition cameras in operation, it is not overly difficult to identify 'rogue' elements.
Investigations
That first fine for an overloaded front axle may be an oversight, but for VOSA, the Health and Safety Executive and the police, it could be the start of a greater focus on a firm's entire operation.
Investigations into potential management failures can be long and drawn out. The time taken up to answer questions can literally turn into a full-time job.
DON'T TEMPT FATE
Any publicity around offences and a possible court case is likely to prove hugely damaging to any business.
The current economic climate may lead some cash-starved businesses to take operational short cuts to trim vehicle costs.
Perhaps delaying a vehicle inspection or a service; scheduling the driver to make that extra delivery; or adding an extra load to the vehicle to save dispatching a second truck.
Hauliers may think they will be lucky, but the consequences of being caught are likely to be far greater than just a one-off fine.
That's why, despite the recession, firms such as Jaama are seeing demand grow for robust vehicle management software. Companies not only want to manage vehicle use and drivers efficiently, but also comply with the raft of legislation emanating from Whitehall and Brussels that continue to engulf the road transport industry.
About Jaama
Jaama is a fleet software and occupational road safety specialist. As a certified Microsoft® development partner, Jaama uses the latest technology to provide customers with greater integration, control and automation. It brings innovative vehicle management software to fleet operators, contract hire and leasing companies. And Jaama is the first to combine fleet management software and risk management services to help customers meet their driver health and safety responsibilities under occupational road safety regulations.
http://www.jaama.co.uk
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