Based in Portsmouth, CIA is a family-owned business that has been delivering security solutions throughout the south of England for over 45 years.
Fleet manager Andy Jenkins ran an eight-month trial of Lightfoot after coming across it during his research into driver training and duty of care.
Jenkins commented: ‘Our rationale for trialing and then installing Lightfoot was to improve the overall running of our fleet, from a safety and environmental point of view. Financial savings on fuel were also important in the sense that the installation needed to be self-funding and because the savings we make on fuel mean we can keep prices down for our customers.’
Following its trial, CIA was awarded a Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) grant by Portsmouth City Council to install the technology across its fleet. Since then the firm has seen the major reduction in its accident rate.
Jenkins commented: ‘It’s been four months since we completed the installation of Lightfoot across our fleet, so the reduction in our accident rate could be a coincidence. However, now that our drivers are much more aware of their driving style, it follows that there will be a lower risk of accidents. The picture will become even clearer when we have 12-month data.’
Meanwhile the trial also demonstrated consistent monthly fuel savings of 12% and lower monthly fuel costs have been a major quantifiable indicator of the improved efficiency of CIA’s fleet since installing Lightfoot. There are also early indications of improved vehicle wear and tear, with maintenance costs gradually decreasing.
CIA’s drivers have taken to Lightfoot® very well. Andy Jenkins commented: ‘We’re certainly not using Lightfoot® as a big stick; we’re using it to benefit our drivers. We reward the four most efficient drivers each month with a cash incentive to keep them motivated to drive more safely and economically all the time. Our most efficient drivers are consistently managing 70 miles per gallon, whereas the least efficient manage around 35 miles per gallon.’
CIA’s fleet drivers also have private use of their vehicles outside working hours. Jenkins commented: ‘We used to charge our drivers for their private mileage at a fixed rate but now each driver is charged according to their Lightfoot efficiency score. Our most efficient driver has an average monthly efficiency score of 99.3%, which means an extra £100 per month in his wages. This salary cash incentive is a significant personal benefit and it’s open to every driver.’