What are the rules for using commercial dashcams?

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What are the rules for using commercial dashcams uk

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It is estimated that more than a million commercial vehicles have dash cameras installed. Dependant on the choice of dash camera, it can record what’s happening in front of the vehicle, rear and sometimes the sides. 

Good news, dash cameras are legal to install in the UK and require no special permission to use. Whilst they are legal to own and install, there are a few laws regarding the operations and use of one whilst driving and using them with passengers.

Current Regulations: Using Dash Cams Legally

According to the law, the placement of the camera must be so as to not obstruct the driver’s view of the road in any way. The Highway Code specifies that nothing can extrude more than 40mm into the area of the windscreen swept by the the wiper blades. Failure to comply to these regulations can result in a fine of up to £1000. Additionally, any footage recorded on illegally positioned dash cams could become inadmissible in legal proceedings.

Police can check the placement of your dash camera to ensure that it is in a legal placement. This is  part of the annual vehicle safety test (MOT test) in the UK. The individual conducting your vehicle’s MOT test will check this as well as any other factors that may impede your or the drivers vision. These include but aren’t limited to, cracks in the windscreen, discolouration or surface damage.

If your dash cam intrudes more than 40mm into the area swept by the wiper blades, your vehicle could fail the test. The best place to install a dash cam is at the top of the windscreen.

Operating a Dash Cam

Dash cam laws in the UK prohibit changing any settings or powering on or off the dash camera whilst driving. Operating a camera while driving is comparable to using a handheld mobile device, contravening the Highway Code’s Rule 149.

Dash Cams and Passengers

Fleet Operators: What Does Mean For You?

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), you can use dash cams in your fleet’s vehicles, provided that you can justify their use. As per recording laws in the UK, you must tell people they are being recorded, and you must handle the footage responsibly.

It is your duty to ensure that any footage that is being recorded is keep in a safe and secure location. You bear the responsibility to protect any data you collect, share or use cant be accessed by unauthorised personnel.

Its the duty of the driver to inform passengers that they are being recorded. This is due to potential privacy breaches caused by dash camera recordings.

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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.

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Improving Driver Wellbeing

Improving Driver Wellbeing

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Make sure your drivers are fully supported

Verran Freight Ltd has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing its productivity and safety by implementing Fleet Witness Live.

New research reveals that one in five commercial vehicle drivers face mental health challenges, with less than half (49%) satisfied with their work-life balance. Additionally, 41% of drivers said they are likely to leave their job within the next year. As the winter months and holiday season bring longer hours and increased workloads, stress levels among drivers are expected to rise.

A survey of 500 professional drivers, emphasises the need for supportive workplace cultures that address mental health and wellbeing. They recommend that fleets encourage open discussions around mental health and leverage technology to monitor driver behaviour and identify potential safety hazards. By tracking driver patterns such as harsh braking or rapid acceleration, fleets can detect early signs of stress and intervene before accidents happen.

The survey also highlights the impact of stress on driver safety, noting that stress can lead to a lack of focus, slower reaction times, and even physical symptoms like fatigue or drowsiness. Stress can increase driver aggression, resulting in behaviours like speeding and heavy braking, which not only put drivers at risk but also cause wear and tear on vehicles.

To help manage stress, we suggest that fleet managers regularly check in with drivers, offering a clear support system and access to resources like employee assistance programs. We also recommend using telematics data to monitor changes in driver behaviour and adjusting schedules to allow for adequate rest breaks.

By prioritising mental health and taking proactive measures, fleet operators can reduce stress, improve driver wellbeing, and enhance safety on the road.

Want To Learn More?

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.

Speedy Hire-Customer Success Story

Speedy Hire Enhances Fleet Safety with Fleet Witness

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Ensuring compliance and operational efficiency

Verran Freight Ltd has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing its productivity and safety by implementing Fleet Witness Live.

Speedy Hire, a leading UK tool hire company specialising in lifting, survey, power, and plant equipment, is committed to fleet safety and regulatory compliance. To meet the upcoming DVS regulations taking effect in October 2024, Speedy Hire have turned to us for a safety solution.

The Challenges

With evolving safety standards, Speedy Hire needed to ensure its fleet complied with the latest Direct Vision Standards (DVS) requirements. The key was to implement a robust system that enhances vehicle safety while maintaining operational efficiency.

The Solution

Fleet Witness provided a radar-based solution that met the new DVS requirements and exceeded safety expectations. Fleet Witness worked closely with Speedy Hire, offering ongoing support, expert guidance, and system customisation.

Fleet Witness’s radar system was successfully integrated into Speedy Hire’s fleet, significantly enhancing vehicle safety while meeting the DVS 2024 standards. The flexibility and ease of communication with Fleet Witness made the transition smooth, ensuring continuous fleet compliance and safety.

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When Speedy Eye decided to go with the radar system supplied by Fleet Witness, it was very encouraging to know that all the support and guidance and knowledge from their product came freely.

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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.

LWC Drinks- DVS Installation

LWC Truck being unloaded with kegs via a forklift.

LWC Drinks

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The largest independent wholesaler of beers, wines and spirits in the UK.

Enhancing Safety and Productivity with Progressive Safe Systems at LWC Drinks

LWC Drinks, a leading distributor in the beverage industry, recognised the importance of prioritising safety while maximising productivity in its operations. In pursuit of these goals, LWC Drinks sought innovative solutions to ensure compliance come October. This case study delves into how LWC Drinks implemented our Progressive Safe System to address these challenges effectively.

The Challenges

Ensuring safe driving practices and compliance with safety regulations were top priorities for LWC Drinks due to the nature of transporting beverages, which demands strict safety measures. Moreover, with the approaching deadline for new legislation, it was an opportune moment for LWC to adapt to these stricter regulations.

The Solution

With the assistance of Fleet Witness, we seamlessly installed our equipment onto their vehicles, ensuring minimal disruptions to their operations. Our engineers successfully implemented the BSIS and MOIS systems, providing additional safety features that promote safer driving practices. “We encourage our drivers to improve their habits and efficiency by avoiding accidents, speeding violations, and hard braking,” fostering a culture of safety and responsibility.

In conclusion, Fleet Witness has emerged as the perfect solution for LWC, empowering effective safety measures for their drivers. Through the utilisation of our equipment, LWC promotes safety, reduces expenses, and enhances productivity, making Fleet Witness an indispensable tool in LWC’s operations and contributing to their overall success.

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"We encourage our drivers to improve their habits and efficiency by avoiding accidents, speeding violations, and hard braking".

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If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, just like LWC, 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.

Verran Freight Ltd

Verran Freight Ltd

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Storage, Order fulfilment and Distribution 

Verran Freight Ltd has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing its productivity and safety by implementing Fleet Witness Live.

Verran Freight is a prominent transportation and logistics company that prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service in an evolving and competitive market. As the industry becomes more technology-driven, Verran Freight sought innovative solutions to optimise their operations, enhance driver safety, and reduce fuel consumption. This case study explores how Fleet Witness, provided Verran Freight with a GPS fleet tracking system to revolutionise their operations, leading to improved productivity, increased efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

The Challenges

Peter Bennett, Director at Verran Freight, recognised the critical importance of safety within the industry. With heavy vehicles transporting cargo, prioritising safety measures for both employees and customers was essential.

Verran Freight encountered several challenges:

Monitoring Driver Behaviour: Verran Freight sought a solution that could accurately track and monitor driver behaviour, ensuring adherence to safe driving practices and compliance with safety protocols.

Remote Location Tracking: Operating nationally, Verran Freight required a system capable of precisely locating their vehicles, even in areas with limited or no connectivity.

Cost Savings and Efficiency: In pursuit of a comprehensive solution, Verran Freight aimed to reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency, and increase overall productivity.

The Solution

With Fleet Witness Live, they gained insights into driver speed, location, and idling durations. This data facilitated productive conversations with drivers to encourage safe practices and improve efficiency. Peter explains, “We incentivise our employees to drive better and be more efficient with no accidents, speeding violations, hard braking, and reduced idle times.” They effectively identified instances of prolonged idling or unapproved routes, allowing corrective actions based on real-time data.

In addition to tracking driver speed and location, Verran Freight successfully identified opportunities for cost reduction by monitoring idling and fuel consumption. Peter acknowledged that drivers sometimes forget to switch off the vehicle or idle for various reasons. However, with the new system, Verran Freight could track and address these issues, resulting in significantly fewer idle time problems and fuel cost savings.

Moreover, productivity soared as live mapping empowered Peter to track vehicle locations. This allowed for efficient rerouting of drivers, eliminating the need for time-consuming journeys back to the depot. Peter highlights.”By using the mobile app while I’m on the go, I can keep an eye on my trucks while they’re on the go”.

In conclusion, Fleet Witness has proven to be the ideal solution for Verran Freight, enabling effective tracking of vehicles and drivers. By leveraging real-time data, promoting safety, reducing expenses, and enhancing productivity, Fleet Witness has become an invaluable tool in Verran Freight’s operations and contributed to their success.

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www.verranfreight.com

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As the industry changes around us, we're dedicated to meeting it in a more dynamic, more focused and more flexible way".

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Want To Learn More?

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.