Several UK companies have introduced advanced telematics systems in their vehicle fleets to monitor fuel consumption and improve driving efficiency. Organizations including BT’s Openreach, property services firm JLL, and construction company Kier have equipped their vans and trucks with tracking devices and AI-enabled dashboard cameras that record driving behaviors such as speed, braking, and idling times.
JLL, which operates a commercial fleet supporting building maintenance across the UK, has implemented “full camera-enabled telematics” to analyze driver habits and optimize routes. The company, employing approximately 3,000 staff, reported a 7% reduction in fuel expenditure last year attributed to these measures. JLL declined to provide additional comments on the telematics deployment.
Openreach, a division of BT responsible for network infrastructure, recently renewed a contract with telematics provider Geotab to better monitor the fuel use of its 23,000-vehicle fleet. The system enables van drivers to access data directly through a smartphone application, encouraging them to adjust their driving styles and improve fuel efficiency. Openreach stated that it has secured agreement with its unions—the Communication Workers Union and Prospect—regarding the tracking initiative.
Kier, which also signed a telematics agreement in June with supplier Samsara, highlighted the benefits of reducing vehicle downtime by up to 25% alongside potential fuel savings. The company declined to provide further details.
The RAC, which operates its own connected fleet technology named RAC Connected, noted that telematics can help reduce driving behaviors that increase fuel consumption, such as excessive engine idling, harsh acceleration, sudden braking, and poorly planned routes. The motoring organization estimates that such technologies can potentially cut fleet fuel use by as much as 15%.
Not all feedback to vehicle tracking has been positive: last year Unite attempted to hold a ballot for drivers at Edinburgh council in response to concerns over data monitoring. However, similar issues have not been reported with Openreach's telematics rollout due to union cooperation.
Overall, companies are increasingly leveraging vehicle tracking and telematics technology to manage fuel costs amid rising fuel prices and to promote more sustainable, efficient commercial vehicle operations.