Tips to Prevent Van Tool Theft

26 October 2023 by Kelvin Viller

a car thief examines a car with a flashlight at night

Tips to Prevent Van Tool Theft

With Christmas fast approaching, the risk of tool theft looms as a substantial concern for businesses relying on vans to transport valuable tools and equipment. Beyond the financial losses it incurs, van tool theft can disrupt operations, inflict vehicular damage, and adversely impact customer service.

At Fleet Witness, we recognise the paramount importance of safeguarding your assets, especially during this festive season. In this blog post, we share invaluable tips to fortify your defences against van tool theft and secure your valuable equipment.

Ensuring Van Security

The initial step in warding off tool theft is to fortify your van’s security. Begin by investing in high-quality locks for all access points, encompassing doors and windows. For enhanced security, consider deadbolt locks, which furnish an additional layer of protection. Installing security film on windows can further deter break-ins. Augment your van’s security by fitting an alarm system or an immobiliser, which not only alerts you and those nearby to unauthorised access but also discourages potential thieves. Fleet Witness enhances this security layer by offering remote immobilisers as part of our telematics solutions, empowering you to remotely disable the van’s engine, rendering it impossible for thieves to abscond with your tools.

Strategic Parking Choices

Your choice of parking location can significantly influence the risk of tool theft. Whenever feasible, park your van in well-lit, busy areas with good visibility. Thieves are less inclined to target vehicles that are easily seen by passersby. Whenever possible, opt for parking spots near security cameras or within the view of surveilled buildings to heighten the deterrent effect. Consider utilising secure parking facilities designed specifically for vans and commercial vehicles. These facilities often boast added security measures, including gated entry, CCTV cameras, and on-site security personnel. While this may incur a cost, it can offer peace of mind and significantly diminish the threat of tool theft.

Implementing Security Marking and Tracking

Security marking and tracking systems serve as effective deterrents and facilitate the recovery of stolen tools. Engrave or mark your tools with a unique identifier, such as your business name or a serial number, simplifying identification and tracing of stolen tools upon recovery. Furthermore, contemplate implementing a tracking system, such as GPS-based van trackers provided by Fleet Witness. These trackers enable real-time monitoring of your van’s location, simplifying recovery in the event of theft. They also provide an additional layer of security by making potential thieves aware that the vehicle is being tracked. With Fleet Witness’s telematics solutions, rest assured knowing your fleet’s location and activity are under vigilant observation.

Fleet Witness Telematics

It’s well-established that telematics can enhance productivity, employee efficiency, and overall fleet operations while simultaneously reducing detention, idling, hazardous driver behaviour, fuel consumption, and vehicle maintenance costs. Fleet Witness offers a range of the latest telematics technology at highly cost-effective prices. With numerous compelling reasons to implement telematics for your vehicles, especially as Christmas approaches, it’s an opportune moment to consider upgrading your fleet.

Want To Learn More?

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, give us a call or drop us an email, and together we can explore how our solutions can transform your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fleet’s performance and maximise your success.

New HGV Laws and Tachograph Rules for 2024

30 October 202318 October 2023 by Kelvin Viller

New HGV Laws and Tachograph Rules for 2024

Strengthening Road Safety

The year 2024 marks a significant turning point for road safety in the United Kingdom and Europe. New regulations and laws are coming into effect to enhance safety, improve compliance, and reduce road danger. In this article, we explore the latest developments, including changes in London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and the second generation of smart tachographs.

London's Direct Vision Standard (DVS)

In a move to prioritise road safety, Transport for London (TfL) has announced substantial changes to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes. From October 2024, these vehicles will be required to have a minimum three-star DVS rating or implement an advanced safety system known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS) to operate in Greater London. This decision, approved by the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, is set to significantly improve HGV safety in the city.

The DVS star rating is determined by the driver’s direct vision through the vehicle’s cab windows, particularly in areas where collisions are more likely to occur. Fatal collisions linked to vision impairment have decreased by half from 2018 to 2021 and continue to decline, reinforcing the effectiveness of London’s HGV safety permit scheme and aligning with the Vision Zero goal to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads.

As of now, more than 94% of HGVs operating in London already comply with the safety permit scheme, with operators building DVS requirements into their purchasing decisions. The new PSS system includes a range of safety features such as updated guidance on mirrors and Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS), enhancements to address blind spots, Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS), and audio warnings for all vehicles. TfL is working closely with the industry to monitor readiness and assess the need for an extension to the grace period in June 2024.

The Second Generation of Smart Tachographs

While London’s HGV safety standards evolve, the European Union is introducing the second generation of smart tachographs this year. These advanced devices serve as a crucial tool in promoting road safety by monitoring driver working hours, preventing fatigue, and ensuring fair competition. The new regulations state that these second-generation tachographs must be installed in all newly registered vehicles with a permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes or more by August 2023.

Furthermore, vehicles involved in international road transport will need to adopt this technology by December 2024. The second generation of smart tachographs not only records driving activity but also includes features to enforce EU legislation on cabotage and posting of workers. This advancement enhances anti-tampering resistance with innovative features such as authenticating satellite signals and internal sensors.

The integration of digital tachographs with fleet management solutions is recommended to ensure compliance with these regulations. Fleet managers can monitor tachograph status in near real-time, maintain visibility into their fleets, and access essential data for audits and analysis.

Conclusion

The year 2024 heralds significant changes in HGV laws and regulations, both in London and across the European Union. London’s Direct Vision Standard for HGVs over 12 tonnes aims to enhance road safety through stringent requirements, while the introduction of the second generation of smart tachographs throughout the EU will further promote safety and compliance among professional drivers.

These measures are integral in the pursuit of Vision Zero and a commitment to reducing road danger, with the ultimate goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries from our transport networks. As these changes take effect, they promise a safer, more regulated, and transparent road transportation landscape, benefitting both drivers and the wider community.

Want To Learn More?

How to Help Your Fleet Beat the Cold

13 November 202313 October 2023 by Kelvin Viller

warning sign because of the black ice on the snowy road

How to Help Your Fleet Beat the Cold

Essential Tips for Winter Preparedness

As the winter months approach, fleet managers face a unique set of challenges to keep their vehicles running efficiently in cold and often harsh conditions. Cold weather can be tough on your fleet, leading to reduced vehicle performance, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety hazards. To ensure your fleet beats the cold and continues to operate smoothly, it’s essential to take proactive steps for winter preparedness. In this article we’ll provide you with essential tips to help your fleet thrive in chilly conditions.

Cold-Weather Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance is the foundation of any fleet’s success in winter. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

Fluid Checks: Ensure that all vehicles have the correct antifreeze/coolant levels. This is vital to prevent engine freezing and damage.

Battery Inspection: Cold weather can be particularly hard on batteries. Make sure all batteries are fully charged and in good condition. Consider using battery blankets to keep them warm.

Tyre Maintenance: Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for traction in icy conditions. Check tyre pressure, tread depth, and consider switching to winter tyres for improved grip.

Oil Changes: Cold temperatures can cause oil to thicken, making it difficult for the engine to operate efficiently. Switch to a lower viscosity oil during the winter months.

Driver Training

Providing your drivers with proper training on handling vehicles in winter conditions is essential. Consider the following:

Safe Driving Practices: Train your drivers on safe winter driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance, using gentle acceleration and braking, and avoiding sudden manoeuvres.

Cold Weather Procedures: Instruct drivers on what to do in case of a breakdown, how to deal with icy roads, and the importance of staying informed about weather conditions.

Proper Vehicle Warm-Up: Emphasise the importance of letting vehicles warm up before driving in extreme cold. This helps maintain engine efficiency.

Real-Time Monitoring

Leverage technology to keep track of your fleet’s performance during the winter months:

Telematics Systems: Use telematics systems to monitor vehicle location, fuel efficiency, and maintenance needs in real-time. This helps in proactive problem-solving.

Temperature Sensors: Install temperature sensors in refrigerated vehicles to ensure cargo remains at the desired temperature.

Keep Communication Open

Maintain open lines of communication with your drivers and encourage them to report any issues promptly. Additionally, monitor weather forecasts and road conditions to adjust routes and schedules as needed to ensure safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

Winter can be challenging for fleet managers, but with the right preparation, maintenance, and communication, your fleet can beat the cold and continue to perform effectively. Prioritise cold-weather maintenance, winterise your vehicles, and provide your drivers with the training they need to handle challenging conditions. Embrace technology to monitor your fleet’s performance and stay in touch with your drivers. By following these essential tips, you’ll help your fleet thrive during the winter months and ensure the safety of your drivers and cargo.