Greentomatocars has introduced Greenroad telematics technology to help it increase safety and improve driver behaviour.

The system monitors more than 150 different movements and detects when a driver performs a manoeuvre such as sharp cornering, swerving, harsh braking or sudden acceleration. 

The private hire company already prides itself on the safety of its drivers but wanted to promote a culture of continual improvement so installed the technology in 300 of its vehicles this year.

Drivers are alerted by a ‘traffic light’ system that sits on the dashboard – a green light means driving is safe, amber that it is straying away from the safest driving practices and a red light indicates that a risky manoeuvre has just been undertaken.

Julia Thomas, managing director of Greentomatocars, said: “Safety of our customers and drivers is the top priority for our business.

"We already have rigorous recruitment and induction processes to ensure only high quality drivers join our fleet, however we were looking for something the drivers could use for ongoing personal development which would benefit them and our customers.

“The great advantage of Greenroad is the easy access of information for the driver, meaning it can be used as a self-learning tool.

"Drivers have access to their performance via app and web per journey every day and in an industry where drivers can be waiting for their next passenger, this is well used.

"This is in addition to the traffic lights system in the car, which shows the driver in real time; whether they are driving according to the standards we have set for braking, accelerating and cornering.”

“As a company, we can then view the progress of the fleet as a whole, highlight drivers who may benefit from further one on one training, with the aim of giving a better, safer passenger experience.

“It is early days in terms of evaluating the benefits of the new telematics system but the enthusiastic reception to it from drivers and the service delivery team who manage them, who can both now work toward clear targets, is very encouraging.”