Waste management vehicles operated by Grundon on Bristol’s roads will soon boast some of the industry’s most-advanced safety features following a £750,000 investment by the company.
The firm, which opened its St Philips depot four years ago, is equipping all its 300-plus strong commercial fleet with connected operations platform over the next three years, including the 15 vehicles it uses for its operations in Bristol. 
A key part of the platform, which has been developed by US vehicle location and route analytics firm Samsara, is a leading-edge new artificial intelligence (AI) led driver safety programme.
Dual-facing dash cams provide instant feedback to drivers via AI-led, in-cab audio alerts, enabling them to make corrections in real-time.
The technology is also designed to help drivers improve safe driving habits, encourage good behaviour and reduce incidents, such as braking sharply or driving too close to the vehicle in front.
Trials carried out on a small number of vehicles at two Grundon depots over six months led to a 71% reduction in detected events while also demonstrating increased fuel efficiencies as drivers were encouraged to optimise fuel efficiency and minimise idling.
Once in place fleet wide, the platform is expected to reduce fuel costs by around £220,000 a year.
Grundon regional operations manager Chris Double, pictured, above right, briefing a Grundon driver on the new system, said: “Driver and vehicle safety is of paramount importance and we firmly believe this investment will help promote safer driving. 
“During the trials and training period, the dual-facing ai dash cams received very positive feedback from our drivers, who were both enthusiastic and engaged with the whole process.
“It’s also important to note that having this technology helps us acknowledge and reward good performance.
“For instance, if a driver has to take sudden avoiding action due to someone unexpectedly stepping into the road, then we can shine a light on their efforts which otherwise would have gone unnoticed.”
The cameras fitted to the base of the windscreen, which monitor driver activity and capture high-definition footage, also connect to the vehicle’s existing 360-degree cameras.
With up to10 cameras already fitted on some Grundon vehicles, the new system will not only enhance the driver’s vision but also provide up-to-date routing data to the transport team.
Drivers can also download an app which will enable them to monitor their own behaviour using a points-based system.
Samsara SVP and general manager EMEA Philip van der Wilt said: “Our connected operations platform allows essential physical operation businesses like Grundon to have a single view of their critical operational data and manage their entire fleet with real-time data-driven decisions.
“The measurable impact of Samsara’s technology in Grundon’s six-month trial is a testament to our focus on innovation and safety.
“We look forward to working with Grundon for many years to help them continue innovating in their industry.”
Work on the three-year phased roll-out of the platform across Grundon’s entire commercial fleet began this month alongside a dedicated driver training programme.
Grundon has already operates a number of key sustainability initiatives in Bristol, including the introduction a £300,000 electric collection vehicle onto the city’s streets last summer.
It also recently landed contracts with the operator of Bristol Zoo Project and the city’s Wake The Tiger ‘amazement park’.
