Transport minister John Hayes has announced that Burnley-based CheckedSafe has earned funding through the government’s Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial.
As one of only 20 organisations selected to receive a share in the £20m programme, CheckedSafe in conjunction with Cloud Amber (an Idox company) was recognised as an ideal partnership capable of supporting the government’s target to cut emissions and improve air quality.
The winning project, which will be developed by Cloud Amber and Checkedsafe, is centered around ground-breaking smartphone application known as the Greenwave.
The application uses intelligent real time traffic signal data to transform fleet driver behaviour by encouraging them to drive in a more efficient manner via gamification. Drivers are awarded a green score each time they drive, based on both their driving style and how they approach traffic signals. Points accumulate over the month with a monthly league board rewarding the driver with the highest score.
Cloud Amber’s head of transport Richard Thurbin, said: “The development of Greenwave demonstrates that we are committed to supporting the government’s agenda to meeting the UK’s CO2 reduction and zero emission targets. There is no known solution of this type in existence – which uses data feeds from existing infrastructure to provide drivers with live updates enabling them to change their driving style. We are excited to see what the future will hold for this type of innovative, transport management solution.”
Darran Harris from CheckedSafe said: “This is an exciting project for us. The development of the app will assist drivers in riding the Greenwave and then hopefully encourage drivers to improve driving behaviour to reduce omissions and save fuel. If successful the solution will be of huge benefit to all towns and cities. There is no down side to this project as all fleets wish to save money on fuel and reduce omission.”
The solution will be deployed as a trial on 12 Masternaut-equipped vehicles in Amey’s Birmingham Highways utility contract over a six-month period to monitor the impact on MPG and vehicle emissions. The aim being to deliver a 10 per cent reduction in monthly fuel costs and CO2 emissions.
Transport Minister John Hayes said: “This is yet another important significant step towards this government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from transport to help tackle climate change. We are already making headway through our investment in low emission vehicles, greener public transport and walking and cycling, as well as grants for innovative advanced biofuels projects.”