Fleet operators can fight soaring fuel costs by deploying connected AI video telematics to eliminate hidden operational waste, Centrad has revealed.

Amid continued pressure on fuel costs, the leading fleet camera and telematics specialist is highlighting how greater visibility across fleets can improve fuel efficiency and protect already tight margins from even greater strain.

Fuel has long been one of the largest operating expenses for commercial vehicle fleets. For van fleets, it commonly represents between a quarter and a third of total operating expenditure.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US has demonstrated just how quickly those costs can escalate, with crude oil prices peaking at one point at around $120 per barrel and diesel briefly exceeding 200p per litre at some UK forecourts.

“Ultimately, there is very little operators can do about the price displayed on the forecourt,” said Geoff Cross, managing director at Centrad. “What they can control is how efficiently that fuel is being used across their own fleet.”

While operators don’t intentionally waste fuel, Cross highlighted that it’s often the small day-to-day inefficiencies that go unnoticed.

“Excessive idling, harsh acceleration, speeding and poor anticipation all increase fuel consumption, particularly across larger fleets,” Centrad’s MD said. “The challenge has always been having the visibility to identify these behaviours before they become ingrained. As a former fleet operator of more than 30 buses, I’ve been there myself – that includes as a driver.”

Historically, identifying these issues required significant manual intervention. Modern  connected video telematics solves this by pairing AI-powered fleet cameras with telematics, remote system health monitoring and operational data to provide a far more complete view of fleet performance.

Rather than relying on isolated data points, operators can now combine telematics with video evidence to understand not only where fuel is being consumed, but why.

Cross continued: “The real value isn’t simply collecting more data. It’s about turning that data into meaningful insight. Connected video gives operators the context behind every event, allowing them to understand the reasons for fuel-inefficient driving rather than making assumptions based on figures alone.

“That completely changes the conversation with drivers. Instead of using cameras or telematics purely as monitoring tools, operators can use connected insight to coach and support their drivers more effectively. Reviewing real driving events alongside AI-generated insights enables far more constructive conversations, helping drivers understand where small changes in behaviour can make a significant difference to fuel consumption, vehicle wear and road safety.”

Ultimately, the biggest savings don’t come from the technology itself – they come from the behavioural changes it enables, Cross stated.

“For many operators, the focus is therefore shifting beyond just security and compliance, with connected fleet data increasingly being used to improve visibility and support better decision-making across the business.

“By providing greater insight into fuel-wasting habits, operators can address these behaviours through targeted, evidence-based coaching. Even small changes in driving style can deliver significant annual savings across larger fleets, while also helping to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce unnecessary wear and tear.”