Royal Mail is installing efficiency-boosting technology to its delivery fleet to not only reduce the carbon emissions associated with its operations, but also to enhance road safety.
Some 11,000 small Royal Mail vans will have telemetry technology installed by the end of March. This will give drivers feedback that encourages more fuel-efficient and safer driving styles.
The telemetry technology, from California-based hardware and software technology company Trimble, monitors acceleration, braking and turning. The system then produces regular reports, which are used to create tailored, positive coaching for drivers.
As harsh braking and acceleration wears tyres quicker and generally produces higher emissions the telemetry system provides real-time feedback on all of these points.
Telemetry was first introduced into Royal Mail’s fleet in 2015, when around 13,000 large vehicles were equipped with the technology. Since 2019 the system has saved the company approximately 177,000 litres of fuel within its small vehicle fleet, leading to a 459-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions.
This latest initiative is part of Royal Mail’s wider plan to curtail CO2. With a network of 90,000 postmen and women across the UK, Royal Mail reportedly has the lowest reported CO2 emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies.
James Baker, chief engineer and fleet director at Royal Mail, said: “The wide-scale expansion of telemetry in our fleet enables us to ensure our drivers are given positive feedback and training on how to drive in the safest and most environmentally-conscious way possible, while allowing us to continue to deliver letters and parcels safely, efficiently and responsibly.”
