Some 50 commercial vehicles have already been fitted with the 32Gb SD-card plus 24-hour loop storage system, and the remaining 150 DAF XF tractor units and Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans will also get the equipment by the end of this year (2015).
The company says its drivers were initially sceptical but have now embraced the new cameras, and adds that it is also seeing productivity improvements by monitoring and alerting drivers to incidences of harsh braking and acceleration.
“It didn’t take long for the drivers to see the benefits of the new camera systems,” states fleet manager Mark Hailwood.
“There was an initial resistance, but they were quick to realise that the cameras are for their welfare. We’re able to analyse and change driving technique in order to boost productivity, too.”
Hailwood says the installation project has been important for GBA Services: “Our drivers are our greatest asset, regardless of whether they are behind the wheel of a van or a maximum weight six-axle truck and trailer,” he says, explaining that keeping them safe is paramount.
“Already, we’ve made savings on spurious insurance claims from third party claimants,” he adds, “and we expect the cameras to pay for themselves by the end of 2017.”
Hailwood says that on one recent occasion, the firm was able to recover costs following an incident even when the driver was away from his vehicle.
“A trailer had reversed into his vehicle and vacated the scene without reporting the incident. With the new camera on-board we were able to trace the vehicle and, upon viewing the irrefutable evidence, the company involved met the cost of the repair.”