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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
We have recently had GPS monitoring installed onto 11 commercial vans, initially for a customer service benifit. The data populated is showing persistant speeding issues. The drivers have been spoken to twice and the majority have taken it onboard, however a couple still persist in the 80-100mph range. The workload is not excessive and the drivers have had defensive driving. How would the Company stand in issuing a disciplinary for speeding on the basis of data from the monitoring system? Speed limiters are also an option.
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RUSSELL HILL
Member - 17 posts
Unfortunately it is the attitude of drivers you have to change. Normally doing a defensive course will help and as you say most of the drivers have improved it obviously is working. You have to decide if you are prepared to take the risk with these persistant speeders. Limiters will help but I think you may have to bite the bullet and discipline them. Good luck
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James Fairchild
Member - 171 posts
It is refreshing to see a company taking such a view on this issue.
Would I be correct in thinking that your staff are aware that these GPS units are fitted, and hence there can be no accusations that this is covert monitoring?
Given that they are committing a criminal offence, which has occurred during work time (as I'm sure you well know, your training/records/possible vicarious liability would be considered in the event of a serious accident), then surely you are completely justified in disciplining them (after inviting them to a meeting, and giving appropriate consideration to their defence if there is one).
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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
Hi James, no the drivers were fully aware of fitting of the GPS from the outset as most waited with the vehicle whist it ws installed. I used the Leicesteshire constabulary for a drink drive presentation at christmas and am considering a re-visit for a graphic speeding presentation. And as you have quite rightly said disciplinary is looking likely (if it continues). I spoke to another Company with GPS installed with 170 fitted to their vehicles, for his stance on this issue and he said that this problem had never crossed his mind, but was very glad of my call and made him think.
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James Fairchild
Member - 171 posts
Good man Stefan, please keep us updated with this.
One thing crosses my mind, and I hope that this never happens, and that is that a tribunal (if such an employee was dismissed for GM) could decide that this is an over-reaction because everybody speeds. Whilst hopefully the judge would remind them of the law, I can imagine the lay members genuinely thinking that this wasn't a problem (as long as it was nowhere near their house/children/grandchildren).
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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
After a meeting yesterday, this has now been passed onto the Companys legal team. I shall inform you of there views when we receive it. I had spoken to the editor of a van user magazine that I subscribe to and he is considering having this issue as an article in the magazine. I am not going to be the british van driver flavour of the month. Think I'll emigrate to South America.
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Diarmuid Fahy
Member - 12 posts
Hi Stefan
Maybe you should consider installing speed limiters? Helps improve fuel consumption too...
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James Fairchild
Member - 171 posts
Just another thought, but are you monitoring their speeding based on car speed limits or van speed limits?
http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/DefensiveDriving/Speed/UK_Speed_limits.html (bottom of this page)
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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
The speeds are monitored as per the link that you have posted. I don't think many companies with vans over 2 tons MGW are aware of that set of speed limits
that you have linked.
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Anne McAllister
Member - 111 posts
Stefan,
Have you seen how they drive in South America? LOL
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Stefan Daunt
Member - 7 posts
No, Bosnia and Iraq are bad enough thanks LOL
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