What is Vehicle Tracking?
There are currently two types of tracking devices available in the UK. You can choose from an active system or a passive system. An active system works in the same way as a satellite navigation system, using global positioning systems (GPS). GPS is when the location of the vehicle can be tracked using the satellites around the globe. Active systems therefore work in real time. This allows the owner of the vehicle the opportunity to track the vehicle at any time at all and they even work when the vehicle is stationary and or parked in an underground car park or garage. The location can be viewed via a computer or a mobile phone application. A passive tracking system that is installed on a vehicle records the data about where the vehicle has travelled. This information can only be accessed once the tracker and vehicle have returned. The tracker can be connected to a computer via a USB cable and the information is then downloaded. Passive systems will only work when the vehicles engine is switched on and therefore are useless when it comes to tracking a vehicle that is stationary.
How Much Do They Cost?
The prices for tracking systems vary depending on whether you wish to but, lease of hire the systems. Active trackers are generally more expensive than passive trackers. A company wanting to manage a fleet of vehicles may choose to lease the trackers to save costs. They can be leased for as little as 89p per day per machine. To buy a decent, but cheap, tracker it can cost anything between £150 to £400. The more advanced the tracker is the more expensive it will cost you. Also if buying a tracker that works off a battery then the longer you need that battery to last the more expensive it will become. Companies wishing to manage a large fleet of vehicles will usually find that it is more cost effective to lease the machines. There are many companies around the country that specialise in fleet vehicle tracking systems. These companies will give you a quote for your vehicles online and over the phone.
Benefits of Fleet Tracking
Tracking the vehicles in your fleet has many worthwhile advantages. With an active system they allow you to locate any of your vehicles at any time, meaning you should be able to let customers know more accurately when their delivery will arrive. This will also mean that employees will be much less likely to take personal detours during working hours. Trackers are very often used as a security measure. Adding a vehicle tracker adds to the safety of your employees and the vehicle and any stock that may be on board. If the vehicle is stolen then it can be easily sourced and returned. For this reason many insurance companies will offer reduced premiums for vehicles that have a tracker installed. They are also a good way of planning out different, more effective routes for your drivers. This in turn will lead to reduced fuel bills.
The Law
There are very simple laws in place in the UK for the use of a vehicle tracking device. You are allowed to install a tracking device to the vehicles within your fleet, providing the drivers of those vehicles know that they are in place. Tracking a vehicle without the driver's knowledge is against the law. Make sure that all employees know that their vehicle is being tracked and that this is part of your company's policy. Covert vehicle tracking is only permitted when it is done to uphold the law, therefore only the police and intelligence have the authority to do this.
