A private fleet of 132 vehicles has saved more than £58,000 ($US 71,384) in fuel bills thanks to in-cab driver training.

In addition to the fuel saving, Public Sewer Services — a sewage, drainage and repair business — has reduced the amount of carbon emissions its fleet produces by 102 tons and has slashed wasteful idling.

The business, with a fleet ranging from Vauxhall/Opel Corsa vans to 32-ton grab trucks, uses a company called Lightfoot, which provides real-time in-cab coaching that rewards drivers for better driving and, in turn, reduces CO2 emissions and fuel costs.

John Moran, transport and training manager at Public Sewer Services, said:

“As a business, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment. Lightfoot delivers significant fuel savings and carbon reductions through the adoption of a driver-first approach. It engages with our drivers in real time, delivering ‘in-the-moment’ coaching, modifying driving styles for the better, and preventing more costly styles of driving. Lightfoot reduces harsh acceleration, braking and cornering, resulting in lower emissions, less fuel use, reduced vehicle wear and tear, and fewer road incidents.”

Moran said that the Lightfoot smartphone reward app, along with driver league performance tables, saw an uplift in driver engagement with more than 80% of drivers using Lightfoot.

“You might say it’s training by stealth, but it really works,” added Moran. “And the prizes are a great incentive, which can be anything up to £100 a week.”

He said there had also been a significant drop in accidents  which had fallen from one incident or accident once every 34,000 miles in 2017 to one in every 79,000 miles.

Paul Hollick, managing director of Lightfoot, added:

“Public Sewer Services has a clear commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. It is also dedicated to enhancing the safety of its staff. Only recently, the business achieved the Gold Standard for its emissions reductions, and it has also received rewards from its insurer in recognition of its lower levels of accidents and vehicle incidents.

“We’re proud to continue to be a part of their journey. It all goes to show that driver-focused, in-cab coaching and rewards deliver win-win outcomes for drivers, the environment, insurers and fleet operators. Together, we’re helping to cut fuel usage, and emissions, saving the planet one mile at a time.”