IN-CAB technology is helping a Steeton firm to slash its vehicle emissions and fuel costs.

Acorn Stairlifts' fleet is fitted with a so-called Live Overspeed Alerts system, which warns drivers when they stray above the speed limit and encourages them to drive more efficiently.

Figures show that since the technology was adopted by the company, it has led to fuel savings and emissions reductions of more than 12 per cent.

The system, created by Lightfoot and trialled across Acorn's 136-strong fleet of commercial vehicles ahead of its official launch, alerts drivers if they speed for ten seconds or more.

Ignoring the warnings incurs a 'penalty'. And drivers who amass five or more penalties in a week become ineligible to enter giveaways available via an app.

Also, fleet managers receive data showing the speeding penalties for each driver.

Pete Hodgson, Acorn's UK and European fleet/transport manager, said he was delighted with the feature.

"It enabled us to reduce incidents of speeding in just a matter of weeks," he added.

"Now we not only have a safer fleet, but our vehicles are being driven more efficiently. That means lower fuel use, less risk of wear and tear, and a reduction in the likelihood of accidental damage to our vans."

Paul Hollick, managing director of Lightfoot, says 13 per cent of all road accidents in the UK are caused by drivers who travel at excessive speed.

"With one driver caught speeding every five minutes this is a major issue for fleets," he said. "It puts their drivers, passengers and other road users at risk. It also leads to vehicle damage, hefty insurance premiums and a negative brand reputation.

"Fleets clearly have a crucial part to play in keeping Britain’s roads safe by cracking down on speed-related instances of dangerous driving. That is why we created the new Live Overspeed Alerts feature. This builds on Lightfoot’s existing ability to cut speeding by training individuals to adopt a more careful, considered approach to driving, but it takes this to a whole new level.

"By directly flagging-up speeding incidents as they happen, drivers are left in no doubt about their speed status and can therefore modify their driving style accordingly. For those that speed repeatedly, managers are able to pinpoint individuals who represent a risk within their fleet. This constructively tackles the issue of speeding head on, creating a safer driving culture for all our customers."