When Glen Collins oversaw the implementation of GPS tracking across a fleet of vehicles and plant equipment for a private Melbourne company more than three years ago, operators were so concerned about excessive monitoring that some tried to physically disconnect the hardware in their vehicles.
Faced with a potentially very expensive headache, Collins, who has since worked as Asset IT Officer at the City of Wodonga and IT Officer at Indigo Shire Council, had to carefully consider operator and union concerns when rolling out the new system. Working with local supplier Pinpoint Communications, Collins says the Melbourne company made sure operators and unions understood the new system was to “manage” vehicles rather than track them. “A big win was showing them the benefits of safety,” he says.
“The common theme for all our council customers when implementing GPS technology has been clear communication on the reasons why the system is being implemented,” explains Pinpoint Communications Sales Director, Stephen Grundy. This includes “how the data will be used and – depending on State surveillance legislation – written notification that a GPS system will be installed in council vehicles,” he says.
Safety first
However, according to Michael Carter, National Sales Manager at supplier Navman Wireless, changes to both Occupational Health and Safety and Fringe Benefits Tax legislation have shifted the general mindset when it comes to the use of GPS tracking in fleet vehicles.
Under changes to the Work Health and Safety Act introduced in 2012, businesses can face up to $600,000 in fines or up to five years in prison for failure to uphold their duties of care in monitoring workplace conditions – with fleet vehicles considered an extension of the workplace. As a result, fleet tracking is becoming “common place”, says Carter, with Navman Wireless for example providing fleet tracking services to up to 20 councils, and Pinpoint Communications more than 10. Other suppliers of GPS fleet tracking services include BIGmate and Ezy2c.
“Councils, like any business, need to ensure that their staff are safe at all times, including their mobile work force,” says Carter. “GPS tracking can monitor real-time location, driver behaviour and can be used to incorporate man-down or duress alarms. Unions are also committed to a safe workplace so now are happy to consider it’s implementation.”
The United Services Union has represented workers in several disputes related to GPS tracking in the years since its implementation. “The union would encourage councils considering the introduction of this technology to discuss the initiative with the union first,” said a United Services Union spokeswoman.
The installation of fleet tracking also provides a simple method of automatic logbook collection, enabling councils to accurately and automatically record vehicle running costs as well as business versus private use. This will become an increasingly attractive prospect when, as of 1 April 2014, the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) rates are flattened to 20% regardless of kilometres travelled, whereas the outgoing system grants lower FBT rates for higher kilometres usage.