FORS Annual Conference 2023

Annual Conference 2023 2 November 2023, ICC Birmingham

CONFERENCE REVIEW

‘WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER’ Welcome to this special supplement covering the FORS Annual Conference 2023, hosted in Birmingham on 2 November.

This year’s theme ‘Building a resilient FORS Community for the road ahead’ was chosen because we know we’re stronger together, and this strength as a community of dedicated transport professionals will help us tackle the challenges ahead. Decarbonisation, resource shortages, and new legislation (to name a few) are obstacles we’ll need to overcome – but that’s nothing new. If the resilience of the community over the past few years is anything to go by, I have high confidence we’ll make it through.

The team put together an exciting and diverse range of speakers this year covering a range of hot topics – we had updates from senior traffic commissioner Richard Turfitt and DVSA head of enforcement Marian Kitson, while Rebecca Jenkins and Shireen Ali-Khan spoke about business efficiency and how to create a winning team. Mark Cartwright and Darren Lindsey explored road safety, which will always be at the heart of FORS, and Anthony Marcou from Drivetech outlined the benefits of investing in training. Not forgetting Paul Fox and the FORS Q&A team talking about the importance of accreditation, and a useful session regarding upcoming changes to Version 7 from the Governance and Standards Advisory Group.

Having attended many FORS conferences as an operator, it was a different experience for me this year as it was my first time as a concession director. It was a pleasure to present an overview of what FORS has been up to since the last annual conference and what operators can expect in the year ahead. It was also great to meet so many operators and see a few familiar faces.

I hope you enjoy this brief rundown of the day’s events. If you’re interested in hearing more, go to forsannualconference.com/ fors2023/ where there is a more detailed post-event report, as well as photos and videos.

The FORS conference remains a free event for FORS-accredited operators and those interested in joining to enjoy.

Thanks to all the operators who made it to Birmingham, as well as the exhibitors that helped make the day possible.

Geraint Davis, concession director, FORS

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FORS puts safety and efficiency in the spotlight Accreditation brings a wealth of benefits, including professional training, access to industry events and bespoke packages to support business needs, writes FORS THE FLEET Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has been at the forefront of fleet accreditation for more than 15 years and serves more than 4,700 operators running 94,000 vehicles across the UK and beyond.

For FORS, compliance is only the start of the story. The scheme builds on specific transport-related regulations and the minimum obligations required by law. It provides an independent review of fleet operations and accredits against a progressive framework of safety, environmental and efficiency requirements. Instead of ‘compliance’, FORS uses the term ‘quality assurance’ when describing the requirement for operators to adhere to FORS standards.

Joining FORS and achieving accreditation brings operators a wealth of benefits. As well as the badge of honour that signifies a high-performing organisation seeking to instil industry best practice, operators can attend key, topical events such as the FORS annual conference. As this year’s event has proven, it’s a productive way for transport professionals to come together to drive up standards across the industry and share their experiences.

FORS operators also get access to a network of companies – called FORS Affinity Partners and Associates – that provide discounted and bespoke packages to support operators’ business needs. Some of these companies exhibited at this years conference, and all provide cost-saving services and products that help make operations safer, more efficient and greener.

The FORS Professional portfolio provides peace of mind to leadership that their drivers and managers are continuously

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improving. With more than 30 distinct training courses on offer, FORS delivered 130,000 e-learning modules in 2022 alone.

For fleet managers, The FORS Practitioner training programme was devised to improve knowledge, skills and confidence. The recently launched Advanced Practitioner course builds on this and enables managers to show their competence and dedication to professional development. Operators can enjoy discounted FORS Professional training courses by signing up for the scheme.

FORS draws on the knowledge and experience of an alliance of influential and independent industry stakeholders who administer the scheme through the FORS Governance and Standards Advisory Group (GSAG). Several members of the group spoke at this year’s conference, reporting on the upcoming FORS Standard Version 7.

The Standard is changed every two years to reflect the changing times and industry best practice.

GSAG chairman Steve Agg said: “GSAG needs to make decisions by looking at the impact FORS can have on society.”

The FORS team plans to expand the scheme. As outlined by FORS concession director Geraint Davies and FORS technical advisor Glen Davies, the scheme will be looking at entering emerging and growing sectors, expanding reach in the PCV sector, broadening e-learning options, and rewriting toolkits and guides.

If you’d like to learn more about joining FORS or how becoming accredited can support your operation, contact the FORS helpline on 08448 090944, email enquiries@fors-online.org.uk, or go to fors-online.org.uk/cms/

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Recognition scheme drives safety and compliance regime

By Steve Hobson FORS HELD its sixth annual conference and exhibition at Birmingham’s ICC on 2 November, where more than 400 delegates heard recently appointed concession director Geraint Davies’s plans for the national accreditation scheme for the first time.

This is the second conference since French tech giant Sopra Steria was appointed as the FORS concessionaire by TfL in 2021. It was chaired by Andy Salter, MD of Motor Transport publisher DVV Media International, who introduced the event by spelling out key concerns of operators, including decarbonisation and sustainability, fuel prices and operating costs. “These are big challenges,” he said. “But fleet operators are resilient.”

Salter added: “While cost control has never been more important, it could not be at the expense of maintaining a strict regime of safety and compliance. That creates true resilience and FORS is a symbol of that resilience.”

Davies, a former driver who has spent most of his career in the transport industry – including 22 years with Wales’

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first FORS Gold haulier John Raymond Transport – said his vision for the scheme was to make it the leading quality standard for the fleet sector, a sector that is expanding to cover van owner-drivers.

Davies addressed the negativity surrounding the regulatory compliance of the scheme’s 4,700 accredited operators, which were audited 5,700 times last year by FORS-approved assessors.

While FORS was never designed as a check on operators’ compliance with their legal obligations, Davies said the Bronze entry-level standard will be aligned with O-licence requirements. He pledged: “You will see some noticeable changes in Bronze auditing in 2024.”

Competence framework FORS is introducing a fivemodule training programme to deliver a competence framework for auditors, who already receive a 9.4 out of 10 satisfaction rating from accredited operators.

As well as being a confirmation to specifiers including many leading construction contractors that a haulier is operating to a high standard above and beyond the legal minimum, FORS can show its accredited operators also run more efficiently than the industry average, partly due to the training on offer.

“FORS has the most complete range of management training in the industry,” said Davies. “We have seen a 20% increase in the take up of fleet manager training.”

FORS Practitioner, a professional qualification that

recognises and demonstrates professional development in fleet management, has been redesigned to be more relevant to an individual’s work.

Candidates now need to complete six mandatory and a choice of four optional modules within 12 months from completing the first module, compared with 10 mandatory modules previously. There are 15 modules to choose from, including managing driver fitness and vehicle roadworthiness. FORS has also introduced the Advanced Practitioner qualification for candidates who have completed all 15 modules.

Training drivers is a key requirement of accreditation and 47,000 drivers received training in the nine months to September 2023. Davies announced a new Safe Driving training module to replace the previous Safe Urban Driving.

“It is no longer just about driving in London; it is for drivers anywhere in the UK and is approved for the Driver CPC,” he said.

FORS already has a comprehensive range of online training modules of 20 to 40 minutes for drivers and managers and next year it will trial approved third-party e-learning modules to widen the range of available subjects.

To keep up-to-date with changes in technology and best practice, the FORS Standard is reviewed, updated and approved on a two-yearly cycle

by the FORS Governance and Standards Advisory Group (GSAG), chaired by Steve Agg. The current standard, version 6.0, came into effect on 1 July 2022 and emphasised the importance of decarbonisation to transport customers when assessing the performance of operators.

Version 7 of the standard will be published early next year, ready to be implemented in summer 2024. Although details are not available, it is expected to increase the focus on the environment, especially for Gold operators, that should already have at least 50% of their fleet meeting ultra-low emission engine standards and a fleet replacement plan that demonstrates progression towards a 100% ultra-low emission fleet.

National coverage FORS started out in London in 2006 as the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme but has since gone national and broadened to cover a wider range of operators, including those running passengercarrying vehicles. It will be expanded further to bring in single van owner-drivers, which Davies said was a sizeable market representing 9% of van drivers in the UK, and cargo bike operators.

“The van scheme has been piloted with an 8,000-vehicle fleet van operator and will be rolled out in the coming months,” he said. “Another November 2023

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Speaking out: (from left) Paul Fox, Geraint Davies and Richard Turfitt

emerging market is cargo bikes, and we are preparing a Bronze audit and rider training module with one operator.”

One step beyond Senior traffic commissioner Richard Turfitt told delegates that, while there was “one rule book – the O-licence”, FORSaccredited operators aimed for higher standards.

“You must meet O-licence conditions to operate legally, but with FORS you are looking to go further,” he said. “How do we support operators? With communication and guidance.”

Turfitt said the main problem with operators he saw at public inquiries (PI) was a failure of management, and that, too

often, directors of the business did not fully understand their role and responsibilities in providing oversight of compliance with the O-licence undertakings.

He contrasted the two definitions of oversight – either overseeing something to make sure it was right or the omission of overlooking something. “Too many are in the second category,” he said. “The O-licence requires directors to be actively engaged in managing the operation.”

Refresher course While there is no statutory requirement for transport managers – unlike the drivers they manage – to undertake regular training, statutory

guidance spells out the circumstances where a transport manager should complete a recognised two-day refresher course. These include where a transport manager passed their CPC more than 10 years ago or has not been named on an O-licence for more than five years and when a PI has found that a transport manager has failed to ‘exercise continuous and effective management’.

“Transport managers must keep up to date,” said Turfitt.

“They play a key role in balancing the needs of the business with safety and compliance.”

Turfitt went on to say that while the driver shortage is easing, “how do you manage

agency drivers who are increasingly prevalent?” The answer, he suggested, was “it has to be training”.

More training is also required in driver defect reporting, which is still a major issue at PIs. “I am appalled at the number of operators that stick with a daily walk-around check,” he said.

“It’s a start, but what about during the time of operation?”

Another subject causing confusion is when operator’s vehicles need to be added to the O-licence. “Do you need an O-licence for all vehicles? No,” Turfitt said. “But if they are to be immediately used then you need to consider adding them.

“We will be issuing fresh guidance on this topic.”

GOING FOR GOLD Construction haulier Fox Group has seen operational and business benefits from being one of the few operators in the north-west to have achieved FORS Gold status, its MD Paul Fox told the conference.

The firm operates 350 vehicles from eight sites, all of which are FORSaccredited, one to Gold, and is leading the way on carbon reduction.

“Our carbon footprint last year was 18,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions. We burn 200,000 litres of diesel every week.

Something has to change and reducing carbon emissions adds value to our business,” Fox said.

Fox has acquired two Volvo FE Electric 6×2 tippers, believed to be the first on UK roads, as part of its carbon-reduction programme.

The company started on the road to

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FORS accreditation in 2017 after several of its Tier 1 and 2 construction clients insisted on it in their tenders. “It wins us work and is crucial to how we are seen as an operator,” Fox said.

“FORS is all about upskilling the workforce and raising morale. Our drivers know they have to do lots of training and that is a big investment as we have two people full-time on it. We have more than 100 drivers trained to Gold standard, including completing the safe driving and net-zero courses. It gives us a competitive edge and helps with the culture among drivers. Gold drivers use less fuel, drive more safely and their vehicles need less repair and maintenance.”

The firm is working towards getting every site up to Gold standard in the next three or four years. “There is a cost to

driving these difference-making changes,” he said. “It works to our advantage, but it is not a level playing field.

Going from Bronze to Silver and then to Gold are big jumps but they are worth it.

The quickest way to add enterprise value is to invest in environmental, social and corporate governance and corporate social responsibility measures.”

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ACSS shows AI-enhanced detection system FLEET TECHNOLOGY expert ACSS highlighted its latest vulnerable road user (VRU) detection system at this year’s FORS conference.

Using front- and nearsidemounted artificial intelligenceenabled cameras, the AI VRU detection system alerts the driver and pedestrian or cyclist of imminent danger in an HGV blind spot, with warnings increasing in frequency as a collision becomes imminent.

ACSS said the use of AI enables the system to distinguish between VRUs and street furniture on busy urban streets, therefore reducing false alarms and associated driver fatigue.

The AI processing unit brings additional functionality, such as cloud and local storage, live

view functionality, and integration with existing mobile digital video recorders and camera feeds.

ACSS said the system was designed to conform to safety standards outlined in UN Regulation No 151/ 159 on Blind Spot and Moving Off Information Systems for the detection of pedestrians and cyclists.

The system can be fitted to any vehicle type and complies with TfL’s Direct Vision Standard Progressive Safe System requirements, which are due to become effective from October 2024.

ACSS is a long-time supporter of FORS, working alongside security partner Maple and connected technology firm Samsara to

AlcoDigital testing cuts alcohol and drug use A ROBUST alcohol and drugs testing policy can not only bring major health and safety benefits to operators, but can also boost

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productivity and enhance customer satisfaction, according to AlcoDigital.

The company said billions of

drive efficiencies into customers’ operations.

ACSS marketing executive Divanshu Saraf said: “For many years, ACSS has supported the FORS’ initiative in providing systems that enable the haulage and construction industry to

operate with responsibility to all road users.

“We continue to maintain our clients’ systems and support them as they progress from Bronze to Gold standard, recognising the benefit to the business of FORS compliance.”

pounds are lost every year in reduced productivity attributed to alcohol and drugs, with more than one-third of employers saying misuse is a problem in their business.

AlcoDigital operations director Suzannah Robin works with companies to implement thorough policies for staff through certified training programmes.

These include the correct use of safety equipment, accurately interpreting results and spotting the different signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol misuse.

The company designs and manufactures a range of drug, alcohol and Covid testing systems for businesses.

She said: “If a company has staff working on heavy machinery or they employ commercial drivers then we recommend regular testing – this could be anything from fitting an interlock breathalyser [such as AlcoDigital’s

Drivealyzer] to a vehicle, which will immobilise the engine if the result proves positive, to testing employees before shifts with a handheld digital device.”

Robin added that if implemented effectively, drug and alcohol policies can reduce absenteeism, increase worker productivity and improve customer satisfaction.

“We have found that regular random testing of employees for drugs and alcohol has resulted in significant benefits from improving safety and safeguarding businesses from the potential fallout of lost revenue and reputational damage,” said Robin.

“However, many more companies, particularly those in the transport industry or those operating heavy machinery, need to do more to improve standards not just for the safety of their employees but to protect the general public as well.”

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Aspöck’s RADC 1.0 for safer reversing TRUCK SAFETY and visibility expert Aspöck showed its radar-based trailer reversing technology on its stand, which was developed to assist drivers when backing into loading bays, or challenging public areas.

As well as enhancing safety during reversing manoeuvres, the company said it can also minimise costs from repairing vehicles damaged in reversing collisions.

The RADC 1.0 system is equipped with a sturdy radar sensor that monitors a large area of up to 3m x 10m, which

can be set for different vehicles and requirements.

When the reverse gear is engaged, the system is automatically activated and scans the area for rigid and moving objects.

The system is compatible with EBS modules from leading manufacturers and can control a braking function with this connection.

Aspöck’s RADC 1.0 was awarded a Kings Award for Innovation earlier this year (pictured above).

The Austrian-owned business also displayed its latest AI-assisted camera system at the conference, which complies with TfL’s Direct Vision Standard Progressive Safe System, alongside its expertise in commercial

vehicle lighting ranges.

Aspöck head of sales Mark Toghill said the business supports the aims of FORS when it comes to encouraging high standards of safety across the industry.

“We see FORS as being at the forefront of setting new standards in vehicle operation and safety, something Aspöck also strives to achieve,” he said.

Brigade uses smart algorithms to detect VRUs BRIGADE ELECTRONICS brought its AI-enhanced vulnerable road user (VRU) detection technology into the spotlight for FORS delegates.

Using intelligent algorithms to predict ‘time to collision’, rather than simply detect VRUs near the vehicle, the technology helps to minimise false alerts and subsequent driver fatigue.

Radar Predict, which this year scooped the Innovation Award at the MT Awards, is an advanced collision prediction system designed to protect VRUs from collisions with HGVs. Using AI technology, the single dual-radar analyses data such as the speed and direction of both the vehicle and the cyclist.

By differentiating between static and moving objects, the 30

radar detection system alerts the driver when an impact with a cyclist or other road user is likely.

The unit is positioned on the nearside of the truck and gives complete coverage to the side of the vehicle, including the trailer unit.

Sidescan Predict is Brigade’s

next generation of sidedetection sensor system, designed for collision avoidance between road vehicles, objects and VRUs. Using ultrasonic technology, this intelligent system predicts if a collision is likely to occur. By analysing data such as speed, direction and acceleration of the vehicle

and detected object, and differentiating between static and moving objects, the Sidescan Predict algorithm assesses the risk and calculates the likelihood of an impact.

Both Radar Predict and Sidescan Predict are compliant with TfL’s Direct Vision Standard Progressive Safe System requirements.

Attending the FORS conference this year, Brigade UK marketing manager Emily Hardy said the company has been a long-standing supporter of the scheme and its aims.

“Brigade has been an active member of FORS since its inception more than a decade ago. Brigade is passionate about safety and bringing solutions to help operators to achieve FORS status and increase safety for all road users.”

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Driver Hire delivers comprehensive training DRIVER HIRE Training highlighted its range of driver risk management and training services, which are available nationwide for operators.

The training expert works with operators to deliver essential training across the

business in topics such as Driver CPC, Transport Manager professional courses, O-licence acquisition and fleet training.

Driver Hire is also FORSaccredited to run courses for drivers and transport managers including Safe Urban Driving,

Van Smart, Congested City Driving and Understanding Operational Risks and Terrorism.

To complement its training offering, Driver Hire has developed a bespoke driving licence-checker service, which automatically carries out required DVLA searches for operators and creates an auditable online record.

The licence-checking system can be accessed on any device that has a camera, 24 hours a day, and it is GDPR-compliant.

When an operator partners with Driver Hire, they work with a dedicated account manager who will create a structured plan for training, licence-checking and recordkeeping requirements.

This training plan is developed individually for each

company depending on their needs and can be modified if additional services are required to upskill members of staff with specialist courses.

Alongside its training division, Driver Hire Nationwide is a specialist, national recruitment service for commercial vehicle drivers, whether they are needed for temporary or permanent positions.

Driver Hire commercial director David Slack said: “We are a training provider that aims to deliver quality courses to drivers and logistics professionals that improve their knowledge and skills, focusing on efficiency, road safety standards and compliance.

“These are all areas that align with FORS’ objectives in driving up standards across the transport sector.”

Fastview360 helps to boost fleet safety FASTVIEW360 USED A safety-focused HGV to demonstrate how its latest technology can help fleets comply with TfL’s Direct Vision Standard Safe System and Progressive Safe System (PSS) regulations (effective from October 2024), as well as other key industry schemes such as FORS, CLOCS and HS2.

Visitors explored the vehicle at the event and saw how Fastview360’s camera monitoring system can see all around a vehicle to eliminate blind spots.

This is complemented by a blind spot information system on the nearside, which uses advanced AI technology to avoid inaccurate notifications and eliminate other objects – 32

such as roadside furniture – from being detected.

Fastview360 said the technology can be retrofitted to vehicles and can incorporate existing systems, which may remove the need to have a full replacement kit to achieve PSS compliance.

Fastview360 MD Damion Davis said: “Our aim is to ensure fleets meet safety compliance, knowing the importance of other road users’ safety and with the driver in mind, as they are the ones in the cab using the technology.”

The company’s moving-off information system also features advanced AI technology that gives detection warnings that escalate with the level of danger involved. These

warnings are visual on the controller and monitor as well as being audible to both the driver and the road user with the designated alerts and spoken warnings.

Davis said: “We are FORS Associates as we believe in promoting safe practice, improved efficiency and using technologies and hardware to achieve these outcomes with minimal disruption to hauliers’ workload.”

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Drivetech works on future-proofing fleets DRIVETECH, PART OF the AA, was on hand at the conference to talk with operators about how to improve driver standards, reduce fleet running costs and stay compliant.

It provides a range of products, including driver and fleet health checks, UK licence checking, online risk assessments, e-learning training modules, on-road coaching, workshops and bespoke driver days.

Its most recent launch, Drivetech Consult, was designed to help operators not only drive efficiency into their business, but also to futureproof fleets and achieve sustainability goals.

The fleet management package has been developed to help time-pressed fleet

managers navigate complex compliance regulations and keep abreast of new technology and infrastructure to ensure they make informed decisions.

It will assist with optimising

data to improve operational and vehicle performance; support businesses with developing and achieving ESG targets; and advise on key safety issues to enhance driver wellbeing, boost

efficiency and reduce accidents and claims.

Head of commercial development Jennifer Morris said: “Every business is unique, with its own challenges and goals. Customised fleet management solutions such as Drivetech Consult can help deliver improvements in operational efficiency by helping businesses identify specific pain points and individual risks, reducing the potential for accidents, improving efficiency and preventing avoidable costs or reputational damage.

“Bespoke consultancy also ensures a business remains adaptable to regulatory changes, market conditions, and evolving technology, such as electric vehicle transition, which will also be supported by Drivetech Consult.”

technical specifications.

“We also want fleets to enjoy a smooth transition to DVS Phase 2 with Durite,” added Vanoli. “So we are doing thorough work in the background to ensure they get their safety permits when

the applications open.”

The PSS comes with a two-year extended warranty; AHD (analog high-definition) monitor; BSIS and MOIS camera system; left-turn speaker; warning sign; low-speed trigger and cables.

Durite drives safety standards with PSS DURITE LAUNCHED A Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Progressive Safe System (PSS) at the conference, highlighting its commitment to advancing standards and practice in vehicle safety.

Durite marketing manager Veronique Vanoli said: “The FORS conference is the perfect platform for us to showcase our all-in-one solution as it brings together operators that strive to achieve best practice in safety.”

TfL’s Phase 2 strengthening of DVS rules, which will take effect from October 2024, require the nearside detection system – or BSIS (blind spot information system) – to distinguish between stationary and moving objects, and to only alert the driver when a 34

collision is imminent.

A moving off information system (MOIS) has also been added to detect vulnerable road users who are within – or about to enter – the critical blind spot area in front of a vehicle.

Durite’s PSS uses AI technology to eliminate blind spots and offers an enhanced detection area that fully meets the coverage proposed by TfL to improve visibility and safety.

Vanoli said: “Our BSIS and MOIS already meet UNECE R151 and R159 standards, however it was critical for us as a business to go through rigorous testing as per TfL’s guidance.”

Durite used an independent, third-party company to ensure its testing procedures met TfL’s

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Best practice is priority with Jaama’s Key2 FLEET MANAGEMENT technology expert Jaama highlighted its commitment to working with operators and industry organisations to promote best practice and raise standards across the sector.

The company’s Key2 asset management software manages more than one million trucks, vans and cars and Jaama said it provides the “industry’s benchmark for helping fleets manage their safety and compliance”.

The Key2 Compliance Manager module is fully configurable to individual fleet needs and includes an audit trail of historical events and electronic document storage, which aims to make fleet operations paperless.

New functionality in Compliance Manager includes

historical events being stored against the asset record to enable fleet managers to analyse whether action is being taken prematurely, on time or late. It then auto-creates the due date for the next event, such as a service, MoT, or inspection.

As a FORS Associate, Jaama works with organisations such as Skanska, TfL and Speedy Asset Services to help them achieve and maintain their FORS status.

Jaama offers FORS operators a series of benefits such as process reviews to establish and

document a fleet’s business and system’s fleet management software requirements to achieve or maintain FORS accreditation.

A Speedy Asset Services spokesperson said of Key2: “We have all the information in one place, providing a comprehensive and easily accessible individual vehicle and driver record, which improves administration and enables fleet forecasting to optimise compliance and improve operational efficiencies.”

Jaama is also recognised by the DVSA as a validated IT supplier for the Earned Recognition scheme and its Key2 system helps operators reduce routine roadside inspections by sharing data seamlessly with the DVSA directly through an API link.

PTC bridges gap in transport management PROVIDING ONE-STOP-SHOP solutions for transport management was the focus on Paramount Transport’s (PTC) stand, particularly for timepressed fleet managers.

With more than 20 years’ experience helping operators of all sizes identify and overcome challenges, PTC has developed a portfolio of services and tools to manage all aspects of a transport business, drive operational efficiencies and reduce costs.

These range from driver training and O-licence applications, through to compliance audits and preparation for public inquiries and DVSA visits.

PTC head of compliance Harry Kapoor said: “Effective decision-making plays a pivotal role in identifying areas where additional expenses are accrued 36

or processes fall short of optimal efficiency.

“Leveraging a transportation management system with PTC grants you access to the essential data and trends required for decision-making that enhances operational efficiency and cost reduction.”

PTC also recognises thе demand for intеlligеnt and еco-friеndly transportation is morе pressing than еvеr. To support this trend, it has integrated the latest technologies into its products, including artificial intelligence (AI), thе internet of things (IoT) and big data analytics (BDA) that it believes are crucial for promoting sustainability in transportation.

PTC transport operations manager Gia Bhatia said: “Our core focus is to provide transformative transport

solutions that revolve around safety and efficiency. The wide range of services we provide – from remote tacho downloads to extensive driver and manager training – sets higher industry benchmarks.

“Our ethos embodies professionalism, innovation, and

a dedication to a future where transport is secure and streamlined.

“We welcome any size operator to contact us if they are facing challenges in their operation or seeking cost reductions while maintaining the highest compliance levels.”

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TDi works with FORS to analyse tacho data TDI SOFTWARE HAS partnered with FORS to offer operators exclusive access and a discount for its tachograph analysis software.

The FORS Tacho Service provides an easy-to-use system to help Bronze, Silver and Gold operators fulfil the D7 requirement of recording working time and drivers’ hours.

It is designed to reduce infringement rates, while increasing the accuracy and

efficiency of the recording process.

The system uses intuitive dashboards to enable easy access to key data, such as driver status and infringement data, which is available in real-time for instant updates.

For more in-depth reporting, a user clicks through on the dashboard to access a range of 40 reports ranging from driver licence expiry dates to Driver CPC expiry dates.

Reports can also be scheduled to arrive in an inbox at required intervals.

FORS Tacho Service provides a driver debrief function for fleet managers, as well as a driver app to help them in their role.

TDi Software marketing manager Bethany Beadling said: “At TDi, we understand the importance of accuracy and efficiency when it comes to understanding tachograph data

to improve compliance across fleets. We’re proud to be working with FORS to bring operators access to the FORS Tacho Service. This will assist with working time, drivers’ hours and infringement management, and allows operators to view their driver and vehicle data in a way that’s simple to understand.”

TDi Software also provides a range of transport management and compliance software.

Webfleet drives towards sustainable mobility WEBFLEET WAS on hand to share its fleet safety expertise with visitors, alongside highlighting its commitment to sustainable mobility.

The Bridgestone-owned telematics company highlighted key products from its range, including OptiDrive360 – a comprehensive approach to help drivers adopt a responsible driving style. It provides valuable insight on driving issues such as excessive idling, harsh braking and speeding to fleet managers and the driver – delivering direct feedback to drivers before, during and after a trip.

Webfleet said responsible driving can help operators reduce fuel costs, maintenance bills and insurance premiums, 38

reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership.

Driver safety can be further enhanced through a Webfleet video dashcam, which provides HD footage alongside driving data, such as GPS and speed, to give a comprehensive picture of incidents.

The driver-facing fleet dashcam

uses AI technology to detect dangerous behaviour – such as using a mobile phone – and will immediately warn the driver so they can rectify their actions and prevent danger.

Webfleet dashcams provide on-demand retrieval of historical footage, live real-time streaming and

automatic event uploads.

For operators wanting to transition to electric vehicles (EV), Webfleet has partnered with Chargylize to create an electrification checklist, using telematics data to inform the right decisions for your business.

For those not ready to move towards EVs, Webfleet telematics can provide the data needed to optimise journeys and reduce fuel consumption, ensure vehicles and tyres are performing to their utmost, and train drivers in greener driving styles. The business has also developed a Green Your Fleet platform where operators can calculate and offset their CO2 emissions, in partnership with Justdiggit to re-green dry lands in Africa.

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