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Month: May 2025

Big Changes to Brake Testing

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Brake pads of a truck trailer for repairing to change

What You Need to Know About Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring

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Big Changes to Brake Testing

Published by Fleet Witness | May 2025

From April 2025, the DVSA has introduced a major change to brake testing requirements for UK operators: a minimum of four brake performance tests per year is now mandatory for most heavy goods vehicles and trailers.

That’s one test every quarter — unless you’re using an Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS).

Here’s what the changes mean for your fleet, and how Fleet Witness can help you reduce testing, cut costs, and stay compliant.

What’s Changed?

Under the updated DVSA guidance, every operator must now carry out four independent brake performance assessments per year — this includes roller brake tests or road tests using calibrated decelerometers.

But there’s an important exception:

  • If you have an approved EBPMS installed and providing continuous performance data, this requirement can drop to just one annual brake test (typically done during the MOT).

Why This Matters for Fleet Operators

Why This Matters for Fleet Operators

Four brake tests per year means:

  • Increased downtime for every vehicle
  • Workshop scheduling pressures
  • Higher maintenance and testing costs
  • More chances for missed tests — and compliance risk

An EBPMS offers an alternative: real-time, continuous brake performance monitoring that not only satisfies DVSA compliance, but also helps you proactively manage safety and performance.

Trucks in standstill traffic on the motorway.

Key Benefits of Moving to EBPMS

  • 💷 Save thousands per year in test and labour costs
  • 🕒 Slash downtime caused by quarterly brake tests
  • 🧾 Streamline compliance reporting with auto-generated summaries
  • ⚙️ Spot issues early with real-time brake efficiency alerts
  • 🚛 Keep vehicles on the road longer without compromising safety

Fleet Witness EBPMS – Coming September 2025

We’re currently developing our own EBPMS solution, due for release in September 2025, to help operators stay ahead of the curve.

Our system will:

  • Monitor brake efficiency using live telematics data
  • Automatically flag underperforming assets
  • Deliver clear DVSA-compliant reports
  • Help operators reduce required tests from 4 to 1 annually
  • Integrate directly with our Fleet Witness platform

The goal? Simplify compliance while improving fleet safety, uptime, and cost-efficiency.


Be the First to Try It

We’re now accepting expressions of interest for early access and pilot testing. If you want to be among the first to trial our EBPMS system before its official release in September, get in touch.

👉 Register your interest here
A member of our team will be in touch to discuss how EBPM could work for your fleet.

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If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, just like Verran Freight, take the first step today. 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.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.

How Bespoke Telematics Solutions Are Powering Decarbonisation in Logistics and Transport

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How Bespoke Telematics Solutions Are Powering Decarbonisation in Logistics and Transport

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Decarbonising Commercial Vehicles: How Fleet Witness Is Driving the Shift

The UK transport and logistics sector is under growing pressure to decarbonise, with government targets pushing for net-zero emissions by 2050—and many operators committing to ambitious timelines of their own. While electrification and alternative fuels often dominate the conversation, there’s another critical enabler of progress: data.

Specifically, bespoke telematics solutions are playing an increasingly vital role in helping fleets monitor, reduce, and ultimately eliminate their carbon footprint. But not all telematics systems are created equal. Off-the-shelf platforms can only take you so far. To make meaningful gains, operators need systems tailored to their operations, goals, and decarbonisation strategies.

One Size Doesn’t Cut Carbon

Generic telematics solutions often offer the basics: GPS tracking, idling reports, and fuel consumption metrics. While useful, these aren’t enough to support a structured decarbonisation roadmap—especially for fleets with mixed vehicle types, varied route profiles, and complex operational demands.

A bespoke telematics solution adapts to your fleet’s specific needs, offering targeted insights that make low-carbon initiatives measurable, manageable, and scalable.

Trucks in standstill traffic on the motorway.

5 Ways Tailored Telematics Accelerate Decarbonisation

Route Optimisation with Real-World Intelligence

Custom-built systems consider your unique delivery patterns, congestion hotspots, and time-sensitive routes. This allows for advanced route planning that not only cuts emissions but also improves punctuality and fuel efficiency.

Rather than generic reports, tailored telematics deliver vehicle-level emissions data, accounting for weight, load, and drive cycle. This allows for accurate carbon accounting across diesel, electric, and hybrid assets—critical for ESG reporting and carbon offset strategies.

A bespoke platform lets you track and act on the behaviours that matter most for your emissions profile—such as harsh acceleration, excessive idling, or suboptimal gear use. With the right coaching tools, you can significantly reduce unnecessary fuel burn across the fleet.

Planning a transition to EVs? Bespoke telematics can help model EV suitability per route, track real-world range patterns, and determine where infrastructure (like charging points) is most needed. This enables a smoother, data-driven shift to electric vehicles.

Custom solutions can plug into your wider business intelligence and ESG systems, automating the flow of carbon data into reporting tools or carbon accounting software. This ensures consistency, transparency, and compliance with corporate or regulatory frameworks.

From Data to Action: The Decarbonisation Advantage

Decarbonising a fleet isn’t just about buying cleaner vehicles—it’s about making smarter decisions, backed by actionable data. A bespoke telematics system provides the precision, flexibility, and visibility required to drive meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.

By working with a partner who understands your operational nuances and long-term vision, you’re not just tracking vehicles—you’re transforming your fleet into a leaner, greener, and more responsible operation.

Why Fleet Witness?

At Fleet Witness, we specialise in building custom telematics solutions that align with our clients’ decarbonisation strategies. From emissions reporting and route analytics to EV readiness and behaviour-based savings, we help fleets turn insight into impact—without compromise.

If you’re ready to make real progress toward net zero, we’d love to show you how a tailored telematics approach can make all the difference.

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Book A Demo

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, just like Verran Freight, take the first step today. 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.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.

Decarbonising road freight doesn’t have to break the bank.

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Truck with Cargo Semi Trailer Moving on Rural Road in Direction. Aerial Top View

Decarbonising road freight doesn’t have to break the bank.

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Decarbonising Commercial Vehicles: How Fleet Witness Is Driving the Shift

The road freight and commercial vehicle sector is under increasing pressure to decarbonise. With the UK government targeting net zero by 2050 and tighter emissions regulations on the horizon, fleet operators face growing demands to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

At Fleet Witness, we recognise that decarbonisation isn’t just about switching to electric vehicles. It’s also about using intelligent technology to drive efficiency, cut waste, and support smarter, more sustainable operations. That’s where we come in.

Transportation truck driving on the road

The Role of Telematics in Decarbonisation

Reducing carbon emissions starts with understanding how and where energy is being wasted. Our robust range of tracking and video telematics solutions empowers fleet managers with the data they need to:

  • Reduce idling time through live monitoring and alerts.
  • Optimise routes to cut unnecessary mileage.
  • Monitor driver behaviour to reduce harsh acceleration, speeding, and fuel-heavy habits.
  • Track vehicle usage and utilisation for better asset planning.
  • Support maintenance regimes that keep vehicles operating efficiently.

Each of these improvements can deliver measurable reductions in fuel consumption—cutting both emissions and operating costs.

Professional truck driver to transport

Why Fleet Witness Is at the Forefront

Decarbonisation doesn’t have to start with a new fleet. Fleet Witness offers a range of cost-effective technologies that provide immediate environmental and financial benefits—without the capital outlay of vehicle replacement.

Cost-Effective, High-Impact Solutions

Decarbonisation doesn’t have to start with a new fleet. Fleet Witness offers a range of cost-effective technologies that provide immediate environmental and financial benefits—without the capital outlay of vehicle replacement.

We understand that every pound matters in commercial transport. Our solutions are designed not only to reduce emissions but also to pay for themselves quickly through fuel savings, reduced insurance claims, and extended vehicle life.

Our systems are built tough—for haulage, construction, utilities, and last-mile delivery. Whether you’re operating an HGV or a Luton van, our products deliver reliable performance in demanding conditions.

Fleet Witness platforms give fleet managers actionable insights. It’s not just about monitoring—it’s about improving. With real-time data and comprehensive reports, you can benchmark progress and make evidence-based decisions that support your ESG goals.

Preparing for a Low-Carbon Future

Electrification and alternative fuels are part of the long-term solution, but they require infrastructure, investment, and time. Our role is to help businesses make progress now—using technology that’s available, proven, and easy to implement.

Whether you’re looking to reduce emissions across your fleet, meet customer sustainability requirements, or prepare for regulatory changes, Fleet Witness is your partner in driving down emissions without driving up costs.

Want to learn how we can help your fleet decarbonise?

Get in touch today to explore our range of solutions and the returns they can deliver.

More Case Studies

Want To Learn More?

Book A Demo

If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, just like Verran Freight, take the first step today. 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.

Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.

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