Average fuel economy across the Mobile fleet has increased from 22mpg to 25mpg
Records an 8% saving on fuel bills
Kwik Fit has achieved accreditation to the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence scheme after introducing a series of safe driving initiatives capped by the installation of telematics devices in its entire 200-strong fleet of vans.
Following telematics implementation in the fleet six months ago, Kwik Fit has recorded an 8% saving on fuel bills as a result of technicians adopting a smoother and safer style of driving when at the wheel of the Mobile units.
Additionally, average fuel economy across the Mobile fleet has increased from 22mpg to 25mpg – a 13% improvement partly as a result of safer driving, but also due a reduction in vehicle idling, which is also monitored.
Kwik Fit fleet operations director Simon Lucas said: “We have witnessed a dramatic reduction in speeding, harsh braking and acceleration by technicians who have improved their driving style as a consequence of being monitored.
“The data that we are able to download enables any issues to be discussed with individual drivers and we can show the evidence to them because management reports are available.”
The importance of on-road driver behaviour is installed within staff key performance indicators (KPIs) and that, said Mr Lucas, had encouraged adoption of a more considerate driving style in respect of other road users. When the technology identifies an ‘unsafe manoeuvre’, for example harsh braking or acceleration, drivers receive an in-cab warning.
Kwik Fit anticipates a range of other fleet operating benefits to accrue including reduced service, maintenance and repair costs notably on a range of friction items. It is also witnessing a reduction in the number of low-speed ‘dings and dents’ to vehicles.
More than 100 fleets are now ‘accredited operators’ to Van Excellence and Mr Lucas said: “It demonstrates clearly Kwik Fit’s commitment to duty of care and corporate responsibility and highlights that our fleet of Mobile vans is professionally managed.”
In congratulating Kwik Fit on its accreditation, Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the Freight Transport Association, said: “Van Excellence represents what good looks like in terms of van operations. We are delighted to recognise the excellent compliance standard demonstrated by Kwik Fit’s mobile service and have therefore awarded it Van Excellence accreditation.”
Kwik Fit is among a host of high-profile businesses that have gained Van Excellence accreditation for their fleets since the initiative was launched in 2010.
Van Excellence was created in order to promote high standards of van operation and driving by accrediting operators against an industry code of good practice. Operators register their interest and receive details of the Van Excellence Code, then present themselves for audit when they are ready.
